(737,1,'2010-05-27 17:45:17','2010-05-27 17:45:17','[gallery]<strong>The line completes 10 years, offers new collection to mark this feat</strong>\r\n\r\n\r\nBulgari has completed 10 years of selling the B.zero1 line of jewellery, and to celebrate its achievement, the brand has launched a new collection of rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. The company believes that B.zero1 has lent emerged as its primary successful collection, reflecting sales of over 1.4 million pieces since its inception. From the time of its introduction, B.zero1 was a line of gold rings decorated with diamonds and gems, and has evolved into a wider portfolio of bracelets, pendants, earrings and wristwatches, and handbags.\r\n\r\nDesigns of the new collection launched for its 10th anniversary are re-styled versions of the line’s classic forms, created using 15 varieties of materials and combining them differently. An example of the different material combinations includes two externally geared rings with the traditional \"BVLGARI BVLGARI\" logo in pink gold in contrast to the spiral shape in white or black ceramic, inspired by Bulgari’s Chandra collection launched in 1994.\r\n\r\nBulgari’s new B.zero1 line has begun retailing at stores this month\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4980\" target=\"_blank\" >Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials </a>','Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials ','','inherit','open','open','','731-revision-5','','','2010-05-27 17:45:17','2010-05-27 17:45:17','',731,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/731-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(738,1,'2010-05-27 17:45:31','2010-05-27 17:45:31','[gallery]<strong>The line completes 10 years, offers new collection to mark this feat</strong>\r\n\r\n\r\nBulgari has completed 10 years of selling the B.zero1 line of jewellery, and to celebrate its achievement, the brand has launched a new collection of rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. The company believes that B.zero1 has lent emerged as its primary successful collection, reflecting sales of over 1.4 million pieces since its inception. From the time of its introduction, B.zero1 was a line of gold rings decorated with diamonds and gems, and has evolved into a wider portfolio of bracelets, pendants, earrings and wristwatches, and handbags.\r\n\r\nDesigns of the new collection launched for its 10th anniversary are re-styled versions of the line’s classic forms, created using 15 varieties of materials and combining them differently. An example of the different material combinations includes two externally geared rings with the traditional \"BVLGARI BVLGARI\" logo in pink gold in contrast to the spiral shape in white or black ceramic, inspired by Bulgari’s Chandra collection launched in 1994.\r\n\r\nBulgari’s new B.zero1 line has begun retailing at stores this month\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4980\" target=\"_blank\" >Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials </a>','Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials ','','inherit','open','open','','731-revision-6','','','2010-05-27 17:45:31','2010-05-27 17:45:31','',731,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/731-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(739,1,'2010-05-27 17:47:37','2010-05-27 17:47:37','[gallery]<strong>The line completes 10 years, offers new collection to mark this feat</strong>\r\n\r\n\r\nBulgari has completed 10 years of selling the B.zero1 line of jewellery, and to celebrate its achievement, the brand has launched a new collection of rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. The company believes that B.zero1 has lent emerged as its primary successful collection, reflecting sales of over 1.4 million pieces since its inception. From the time of its introduction, B.zero1 was a line of gold rings decorated with diamonds and gems, and has evolved into a wider portfolio of bracelets, pendants, earrings and wristwatches, and handbags.\r\n\r\nDesigns of the new collection launched for its 10th anniversary are re-styled versions of the line’s classic forms, created using 15 varieties of materials and combining them differently. An example of the different material combinations includes two externally geared rings with the traditional \"BVLGARI BVLGARI\" logo in pink gold in contrast to the spiral shape in white or black ceramic, inspired by Bulgari’s Chandra collection launched in 1994.\r\n\r\nBulgari’s new B.zero1 line has begun retailing at stores this month\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4980\" target=\"_blank\" >Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials </a>','Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials ','','inherit','open','open','','731-revision-7','','','2010-05-27 17:47:37','2010-05-27 17:47:37','',731,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/731-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(740,1,'2010-05-27 17:24:30','2010-05-27 17:24:30',' First five months see 25% increase in diamond exports\r\n\r\nSierra Leone exported $35 million worth of diamonds in the first five months of 2010, indicating a 25 percent increase over the corresponding months in 2009, reports say. At the onset of 2010, the country’s government had increased tax on diamond exports worth over $500,000 from 6.5 percent to 15 percent, intending to raise more revenues.\r\n\r\nSierra Leone had exported $79 million worth of diamonds in 2009, showing a dip of 20 percent, while in 2008 it exported over $99 million worth of rough diamonds.\r\n\r\nSierra Leone is hopeful that exports will pick up by 2011, despite the current downturn effects of the economy in the diamond market\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4979\" target=\"_blank\" >Diamond exports rise at Sierra Leone</a>','Diamond exports rise at Sierra Leone','','inherit','open','open','','724-revision-7','','','2010-05-27 17:24:30','2010-05-27 17:24:30','',724,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/724-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(741,1,'2010-05-27 17:48:02','2010-05-27 17:48:02','[gallery]<strong>The line completes 10 years, offers new collection to mark this feat</strong>\r\n\r\n\r\nBulgari has completed 10 years of selling the B.zero1 line of jewellery, and to celebrate its achievement, the brand has launched a new collection of rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. The company believes that B.zero1 has lent emerged as its primary successful collection, reflecting sales of over 1.4 million pieces since its inception. From the time of its introduction, B.zero1 was a line of gold rings decorated with diamonds and gems, and has evolved into a wider portfolio of bracelets, pendants, earrings and wristwatches, and handbags.\r\n\r\nDesigns of the new collection launched for its 10th anniversary are re-styled versions of the line’s classic forms, created using 15 varieties of materials and combining them differently. An example of the different material combinations includes two externally geared rings with the traditional \"BVLGARI BVLGARI\" logo in pink gold in contrast to the spiral shape in white or black ceramic, inspired by Bulgari’s Chandra collection launched in 1994.\r\n\r\nBulgari’s new B.zero1 line has begun retailing at stores this month\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4980\" target=\"_blank\" >Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials </a>','Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials ','','inherit','open','open','','731-revision-8','','','2010-05-27 17:48:02','2010-05-27 17:48:02','',731,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/731-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(743,1,'2010-05-28 06:58:28','2010-05-28 06:58:28',' First five months see 25% increase in diamond exports\r\n\r\nSierra Leone exported $35 million worth of diamonds in the first five months of 2010, indicating a 25 percent increase over the corresponding months in 2009, reports say. At the onset of 2010, the country’s government had increased tax on diamond exports worth over $500,000 from 6.5 percent to 15 percent, intending to raise more revenues.\r\n\r\nSierra Leone had exported $79 million worth of diamonds in 2009, showing a dip of 20 percent, while in 2008 it exported over $99 million worth of rough diamonds.\r\n\r\nSierra Leone is hopeful that exports will pick up by 2011, despite the current downturn effects of the economy in the diamond market\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4979\" target=\"_blank\" >Diamond exports rise at Sierra Leone</a>','Diamond exports rise at Sierra Leone','','inherit','open','open','','724-revision-9','','','2010-05-28 06:58:28','2010-05-28 06:58:28','',724,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/724-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(744,1,'2010-05-28 06:58:13','2010-05-28 06:58:13','[gallery]\n\n<strong>The line completes 10 years, offers new collection to mark this feat</strong>\n\nBulgari has completed 10 years of selling the B.zero1 line of jewellery, and to celebrate its achievement, the brand has launched a new collection of rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. The company believes that B.zero1 has lent emerged as its primary successful collection, reflecting sales of over 1.4 million pieces since its inception. From the time of its introduction, B.zero1 was a line of gold rings decorated with diamonds and gems, and has evolved into a wider portfolio of bracelets, pendants, earrings and wristwatches, and handbags.\n\nDesigns of the new collection launched for its 10th anniversary are re-styled versions of the line’s classic forms, created using 15 varieties of materials and combining them differently. An example of the different material combinations includes two externally geared rings with the traditional \"BVLGARI BVLGARI\" logo in pink gold in contrast to the spiral shape in white or black ceramic, inspired by Bulgari’s Chandra collection launched in 1994.\n\nBulgari’s new B.zero1 line has begun retailing at stores this month\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4980\" target=\"_blank\">Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials </a>','Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials ','','inherit','open','open','','731-revision-9','','','2010-05-28 06:58:13','2010-05-28 06:58:13','',731,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/731-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(745,1,'2010-05-28 10:23:22','2010-05-28 10:23:22','[gallery]\r\n\r\n<strong>The line completes 10 years, offers new collection to mark this feat</strong>\r\n\r\nBulgari has completed 10 years of selling the B.zero1 line of jewellery, and to celebrate its achievement, the brand has launched a new collection of rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. The company believes that B.zero1 has lent emerged as its primary successful collection, reflecting sales of over 1.4 million pieces since its inception. From the time of its introduction, B.zero1 was a line of gold rings decorated with diamonds and gems, and has evolved into a wider portfolio of bracelets, pendants, earrings and wristwatches, and handbags.\r\n\r\nDesigns of the new collection launched for its 10th anniversary are re-styled versions of the line’s classic forms, created using 15 varieties of materials and combining them differently. An example of the different material combinations includes two externally geared rings with the traditional \"BVLGARI BVLGARI\" logo in pink gold in contrast to the spiral shape in white or black ceramic, inspired by Bulgari’s Chandra collection launched in 1994.\r\n\r\nBulgari’s new B.zero1 line has begun retailing at stores this month\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4980\" target=\"_blank\">Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials </a>','Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials ','','inherit','open','open','','731-revision-10','','','2010-05-28 10:23:22','2010-05-28 10:23:22','',731,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/731-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(746,1,'2010-05-28 07:03:40','2010-05-28 07:03:40',' First five months see 25% increase in diamond exports\r\n\r\nSierra Leone exported $35 million worth of diamonds in the first five months of 2010, indicating a 25 percent increase over the corresponding months in 2009, reports say. At the onset of 2010, the country’s government had increased tax on diamond exports worth over $500,000 from 6.5 percent to 15 percent, intending to raise more revenues.\r\n\r\nSierra Leone had exported $79 million worth of diamonds in 2009, showing a dip of 20 percent, while in 2008 it exported over $99 million worth of rough diamonds.\r\n\r\nSierra Leone is hopeful that exports will pick up by 2011, despite the current downturn effects of the economy in the diamond market\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4979\" target=\"_blank\" >Diamond exports rise at Sierra Leone</a>','Diamond exports rise at Sierra Leone','','inherit','open','open','','724-revision-10','','','2010-05-28 07:03:40','2010-05-28 07:03:40','',724,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/724-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(747,1,'2010-06-07 06:57:36','2010-06-07 06:57:36',' First five months see 25% increase in diamond exports\r\n\r\nSierra Leone exported $35 million worth of diamonds in the first five months of 2010, indicating a 25 percent increase over the corresponding months in 2009, reports say. At the onset of 2010, the country’s government had increased tax on diamond exports worth over $500,000 from 6.5 percent to 15 percent, intending to raise more revenues.\r\n\r\nSierra Leone had exported $79 million worth of diamonds in 2009, showing a dip of 20 percent, while in 2008 it exported over $99 million worth of rough diamonds.\r\n\r\nSierra Leone is hopeful that exports will pick up by 2011, despite the current downturn effects of the economy in the diamond market\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4979\" target=\"_blank\" >Diamond exports rise at Sierra Leone</a>','Diamond exports rise at Sierra Leone','','inherit','open','open','','724-autosave','','','2010-06-07 06:57:36','2010-06-07 06:57:36','',724,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/724-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(748,1,'2010-05-31 06:28:14','2010-05-31 06:28:14','[gallery]\r\n\r\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\r\n\r\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\r\n\r\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\r\n\r\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\r\n\r\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=2584\" target=\"_blank\" >Gemstones freed of import duties </a>','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','publish','open','open','','gemstones-freed-of-import-duties','','','2010-05-31 06:28:14','2010-05-31 06:28:14','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=748',0,'post','',0),(749,1,'2010-05-28 18:25:08','2010-05-28 18:25:08','','gemstone_biggstock','','inherit','open','open','','gemstone_biggstock','','','2010-05-28 18:25:08','2010-05-28 18:25:08','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gemstone_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(750,1,'2010-05-28 18:26:00','2010-05-28 18:26:00','[gallery]\n\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\n\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\n\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\n\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\n\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','inherit','open','open','','748-revision','','','2010-05-28 18:26:00','2010-05-28 18:26:00','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/748-revision',0,'revision','',0),(751,1,'2010-05-28 18:26:02','2010-05-28 18:26:02','[gallery]\r\n\r\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\r\n\r\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\r\n\r\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\r\n\r\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\r\n\r\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','inherit','open','open','','748-revision-2','','','2010-05-28 18:26:02','2010-05-28 18:26:02','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/748-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(752,1,'2010-05-28 18:26:18','2010-05-28 18:26:18','[gallery]\r\n\r\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\r\n\r\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\r\n\r\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\r\n\r\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\r\n\r\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','inherit','open','open','','748-revision-3','','','2010-05-28 18:26:18','2010-05-28 18:26:18','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/748-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(753,1,'2010-05-28 18:30:33','2010-05-28 18:30:33','[gallery]\r\n\r\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\r\n\r\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\r\n\r\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\r\n\r\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\r\n\r\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=2584\" target=\"_blank\" >Gemstones freed of import duties </a>','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','inherit','open','open','','748-revision-4','','','2010-05-28 18:30:33','2010-05-28 18:30:33','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/748-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(754,1,'2010-05-28 18:35:01','2010-05-28 18:35:01','[gallery]\r\n\r\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\r\n\r\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\r\n\r\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\r\n\r\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\r\n\r\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=2584\" target=\"_blank\" >Gemstones freed of import duties </a>','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','inherit','open','open','','748-revision-5','','','2010-05-28 18:35:01','2010-05-28 18:35:01','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/748-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(755,1,'2010-05-28 18:35:28','2010-05-28 18:35:28','[gallery]\r\n\r\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\r\n\r\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\r\n\r\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\r\n\r\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\r\n\r\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=2584\" target=\"_blank\" >Gemstones freed of import duties </a>','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','inherit','open','open','','748-revision-6','','','2010-05-28 18:35:28','2010-05-28 18:35:28','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/748-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(756,1,'2010-05-28 18:35:38','2010-05-28 18:35:38','[gallery]\r\n\r\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\r\n\r\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\r\n\r\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\r\n\r\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\r\n\r\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=2584\" target=\"_blank\" >Gemstones freed of import duties </a>','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','inherit','open','open','','748-revision-7','','','2010-05-28 18:35:38','2010-05-28 18:35:38','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/748-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(757,1,'2010-05-28 18:36:23','2010-05-28 18:36:23','[gallery]\r\n\r\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\r\n\r\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\r\n\r\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\r\n\r\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\r\n\r\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=2584\" target=\"_blank\" >Gemstones freed of import duties </a>','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','inherit','open','open','','748-revision-8','','','2010-05-28 18:36:23','2010-05-28 18:36:23','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/748-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(758,1,'2010-05-31 06:27:42','2010-05-31 06:27:42','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4819\" target=\"_blank\" >‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers</a>','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','publish','open','open','','%e2%80%98sales-development%e2%80%99-for-sales-advisors-of-c-h-jewellers','','','2010-05-31 06:27:42','2010-05-31 06:27:42','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=758',0,'post','',0),(759,1,'2010-05-31 06:09:59','2010-05-31 06:09:59','','igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock','IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors','inherit','open','open','','igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock','','','2010-05-31 06:09:59','2010-05-31 06:09:59','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(760,1,'2010-05-31 06:11:56','2010-05-31 06:11:56','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\n\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\n\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\n\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-revision','','','2010-05-31 06:11:56','2010-05-31 06:11:56','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-revision',0,'revision','',0),(761,1,'2010-05-31 06:13:03','2010-05-31 06:13:03','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-revision-2','','','2010-05-31 06:13:03','2010-05-31 06:13:03','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(762,1,'2010-05-31 06:13:20','2010-05-31 06:13:20','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-revision-3','','','2010-05-31 06:13:20','2010-05-31 06:13:20','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(763,1,'2010-05-31 06:13:29','2010-05-31 06:13:29','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-revision-4','','','2010-05-31 06:13:29','2010-05-31 06:13:29','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(764,1,'2010-05-31 06:17:21','2010-05-31 06:17:21','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4819\" target=\"_blank\" >‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers</a>','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-revision-5','','','2010-05-31 06:17:21','2010-05-31 06:17:21','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(765,1,'2010-05-31 06:17:34','2010-05-31 06:17:34','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4819\" target=\"_blank\" >‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers</a>','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-revision-6','','','2010-05-31 06:17:34','2010-05-31 06:17:34','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(766,1,'2010-05-31 06:25:42','2010-05-31 06:25:42','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4819\" target=\"_blank\" >‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers</a>','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-revision-7','','','2010-05-31 06:25:42','2010-05-31 06:25:42','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(767,1,'2010-05-31 06:25:50','2010-05-31 06:25:50','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4819\" target=\"_blank\" >‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers</a>','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-revision-8','','','2010-05-31 06:25:50','2010-05-31 06:25:50','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(768,1,'2010-05-31 06:25:53','2010-05-31 06:25:53','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4819\" target=\"_blank\" >‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers</a>','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-revision-9','','','2010-05-31 06:25:53','2010-05-31 06:25:53','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(769,1,'2010-05-31 06:26:27','2010-05-31 06:26:27','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4819\" target=\"_blank\" >‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers</a>','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-revision-10','','','2010-05-31 06:26:27','2010-05-31 06:26:27','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(770,1,'2010-05-28 18:37:59','2010-05-28 18:37:59','[gallery]\r\n\r\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\r\n\r\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\r\n\r\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\r\n\r\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\r\n\r\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=2584\" target=\"_blank\" >Gemstones freed of import duties </a>','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','inherit','open','open','','748-revision-9','','','2010-05-28 18:37:59','2010-05-28 18:37:59','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/748-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(771,1,'2010-05-25 08:11:30','2010-05-25 08:11:30','The Israel Tax Authority and the country\'s diamond controller urged Israel\'s diamond traders to declare cash transfers made upon entering or exiting the country. This follows a number of recent cases of cash smuggling in the country.\n\n“We remind all diamantaires to strictly follow the instructions given to prevent punishment by law,” said diamond controller Shmuel Mordechai. He noted that Israel does not tax cash brought in and out of the country, rather that the declaration is required by international agreements to prevent money laundering.\n\nAvi Ardity, deputy director of investigations at the Tax Authority, explained these agreements enabled the international community to cut the funding of terror and crime organizations. \n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31088\">Diamonds News</a>','Israeli Diamond Dealers Warned to Declare Cash Transfers','','inherit','open','open','','693-revision','','','2010-05-25 08:11:30','2010-05-25 08:11:30','',693,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/693-revision',0,'revision','',0),(772,1,'2010-05-31 06:30:00','2010-05-31 06:30:00','The Israel Tax Authority and the country\'s diamond controller urged Israel\'s diamond traders to declare cash transfers made upon entering or exiting the country. This follows a number of recent cases of cash smuggling in the country.\r\n\r\n“We remind all diamantaires to strictly follow the instructions given to prevent punishment by law,” said diamond controller Shmuel Mordechai. He noted that Israel does not tax cash brought in and out of the country, rather that the declaration is required by international agreements to prevent money laundering.\r\n\r\nAvi Ardity, deputy director of investigations at the Tax Authority, explained these agreements enabled the international community to cut the funding of terror and crime organizations. \r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31088\">Diamonds News</a>','Israeli Diamond Dealers Warned to Declare Cash Transfers','','inherit','open','open','','693-revision-2','','','2010-05-31 06:30:00','2010-05-31 06:30:00','',693,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/693-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(773,1,'2010-05-31 06:30:03','2010-05-31 06:30:03','The Israel Tax Authority and the country\'s diamond controller urged Israel\'s diamond traders to declare cash transfers made upon entering or exiting the country. This follows a number of recent cases of cash smuggling in the country.\r\n\r\n“We remind all diamantaires to strictly follow the instructions given to prevent punishment by law,” said diamond controller Shmuel Mordechai. He noted that Israel does not tax cash brought in and out of the country, rather that the declaration is required by international agreements to prevent money laundering.\r\n\r\nAvi Ardity, deputy director of investigations at the Tax Authority, explained these agreements enabled the international community to cut the funding of terror and crime organizations. \r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31088\">Diamonds News</a>','Israeli Diamond Dealers Warned to Declare Cash Transfers','','inherit','open','open','','693-revision-3','','','2010-05-31 06:30:03','2010-05-31 06:30:03','',693,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/693-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(774,1,'2010-05-31 06:34:23','2010-05-31 06:34:23','The Israel Tax Authority and the country\'s diamond controller urged Israel\'s diamond traders to declare cash transfers made upon entering or exiting the country. This follows a number of recent cases of cash smuggling in the country.\r\n\r\n“We remind all diamantaires to strictly follow the instructions given to prevent punishment by law,” said diamond controller Shmuel Mordechai. He noted that Israel does not tax cash brought in and out of the country, rather that the declaration is required by international agreements to prevent money laundering.\r\n\r\nAvi Ardity, deputy director of investigations at the Tax Authority, explained these agreements enabled the international community to cut the funding of terror and crime organizations. \r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31088\">Diamonds News</a>','Israeli Diamond Dealers Warned to Declare Cash Transfers','','inherit','open','open','','693-revision-4','','','2010-05-31 06:34:23','2010-05-31 06:34:23','',693,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/693-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(775,1,'2010-05-31 06:34:25','2010-05-31 06:34:25','The Israel Tax Authority and the country\'s diamond controller urged Israel\'s diamond traders to declare cash transfers made upon entering or exiting the country. This follows a number of recent cases of cash smuggling in the country.\r\n\r\n“We remind all diamantaires to strictly follow the instructions given to prevent punishment by law,” said diamond controller Shmuel Mordechai. He noted that Israel does not tax cash brought in and out of the country, rather that the declaration is required by international agreements to prevent money laundering.\r\n\r\nAvi Ardity, deputy director of investigations at the Tax Authority, explained these agreements enabled the international community to cut the funding of terror and crime organizations. \r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31088\">Diamonds News</a>','Israeli Diamond Dealers Warned to Declare Cash Transfers','','inherit','open','open','','693-revision-5','','','2010-05-31 06:34:25','2010-05-31 06:34:25','',693,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/693-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(776,1,'2010-05-31 06:34:27','2010-05-31 06:34:27','The Israel Tax Authority and the country\'s diamond controller urged Israel\'s diamond traders to declare cash transfers made upon entering or exiting the country. This follows a number of recent cases of cash smuggling in the country.\r\n\r\n“We remind all diamantaires to strictly follow the instructions given to prevent punishment by law,” said diamond controller Shmuel Mordechai. He noted that Israel does not tax cash brought in and out of the country, rather that the declaration is required by international agreements to prevent money laundering.\r\n\r\nAvi Ardity, deputy director of investigations at the Tax Authority, explained these agreements enabled the international community to cut the funding of terror and crime organizations. \r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31088\">Diamonds News</a>','Israeli Diamond Dealers Warned to Declare Cash Transfers','','inherit','open','open','','693-revision-6','','','2010-05-31 06:34:27','2010-05-31 06:34:27','',693,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/693-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(777,1,'2010-05-31 06:34:53','2010-05-31 06:34:53','The Israel Tax Authority and the country\'s diamond controller urged Israel\'s diamond traders to declare cash transfers made upon entering or exiting the country. This follows a number of recent cases of cash smuggling in the country.\r\n\r\n“We remind all diamantaires to strictly follow the instructions given to prevent punishment by law,” said diamond controller Shmuel Mordechai. He noted that Israel does not tax cash brought in and out of the country, rather that the declaration is required by international agreements to prevent money laundering.\r\n\r\nAvi Ardity, deputy director of investigations at the Tax Authority, explained these agreements enabled the international community to cut the funding of terror and crime organizations. \r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31088\">Israeli Diamond Dealers Warned to Declare Cash Transfers</a>','Israeli Diamond Dealers Warned to Declare Cash Transfers','','inherit','open','open','','693-revision-7','','','2010-05-31 06:34:53','2010-05-31 06:34:53','',693,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/693-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(778,1,'2010-05-31 06:35:00','2010-05-31 06:35:00','The Israel Tax Authority and the country\'s diamond controller urged Israel\'s diamond traders to declare cash transfers made upon entering or exiting the country. This follows a number of recent cases of cash smuggling in the country.\r\n\r\n“We remind all diamantaires to strictly follow the instructions given to prevent punishment by law,” said diamond controller Shmuel Mordechai. He noted that Israel does not tax cash brought in and out of the country, rather that the declaration is required by international agreements to prevent money laundering.\r\n\r\nAvi Ardity, deputy director of investigations at the Tax Authority, explained these agreements enabled the international community to cut the funding of terror and crime organizations. \r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31088\">Israeli Diamond Dealers Warned to Declare Cash Transfers</a>','Israeli Diamond Dealers Warned to Declare Cash Transfers','','inherit','open','open','','693-revision-8','','','2010-05-31 06:35:00','2010-05-31 06:35:00','',693,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/693-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(779,1,'2010-06-07 08:09:49','2010-06-07 08:09:49','[caption id=\"attachment_759\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"93\" caption=\"IGI Sales development traning for sales advisors\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-759\" title=\"igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/igi-sales-development-traning_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"93\" height=\"70\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIGI conducts Sales Development programme for C H Jewellers. The IGI believes such training is imperative for retailer staff for better sales\r\n\r\nInternational Gemological Institute (IGI)recently conducted a one day training programme on ‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers. The training took place at C H Jewellers’ store in Baroda. Mr. Paresh, Managing Director, C H Jewellers said - “In the world of modernization and globalization where customers are smart and are much more aware about the products, we, retailers need to be much more smarter than them. Hence we organized a ‘Retail Sales Development Program’ from IGI which has helped us to achieve our goals better”.\r\n\r\nWith consumers becoming more aware of terminologies of diamonds and certification, IGI believes it is imperative that sales teams of jewellers receive training to enable them to sell with confidence, in turn boosting consumer education on the diamond quality and the 4 C’s. Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said – \"The awareness for diamonds in B grade cities is on the increase and the jewellers are frequently receiving queries regarding diamonds and coloured stones. The Sales Development programme empowers the sales team to professionally tackle these queries in order to give the customer a great shopping experience\".\r\n\r\nThe ‘Sales Development Program’ offers both product knowledge and a training of effective sales techniques. It is designed as practical hands on training course elucidating the standards of diamond grading, coloured stone identification and effective sales techniques. It’s product knowledge tutorials involve topics like diamond formation, identification of imitations and synthetics, gemstones and pearl, types of jewellery, branding and market trends, reading and understanding reports. It also offers knowledge on Selling skills and Management aspects, understanding customer’s demands, window display factors, communication skills and ways to care for jewellery, etc\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4819\" target=\"_blank\">‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers</a>','‘Sales Development’ for sales advisors of C H Jewellers','','inherit','open','open','','758-autosave','','','2010-06-07 08:09:49','2010-06-07 08:09:49','',758,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/758-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(780,1,'2010-06-07 07:01:49','2010-06-07 07:01:49','<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_189\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 170px;\"> <dt><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DIAMOND-BHAVANI.jpg\"><img title=\"Surat-diamonds-the-smallest_BIGGSTOCK\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DIAMOND-BHAVANI.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"160\" height=\"107\" /></a></dt> <dd>Word\'s smallest diamond</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<strong> </strong>Foreign  institutes, offering courses in diamond industry, are making a beeline  for Surat, the hub of diamond cutting and polishing. The <strong>International  Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America  (GIA)</strong>, both leading institutes of their kind, have started  operations in Surat in the recent past. While GIA has started offering  courses in Surat, the IGI has gone one step ahead and launched a School   of Gemology. <strong>Rohit Mehta,</strong> president of Surat Diamond  Association, said the trend of foreign institutes starting or expanding  operations in Surat is a reflection of the city\'s growing importance in  diamond industry.\r\n\r\nIndustry experts said the institutes were missing out on a great  opportunity by having limited or no presence in the city. \"With Surat  being the hub of diamond cutting and polishing, it was imperative for us  to start offering courses here. We have started with only two courses  in Surat, but will offer more courses in due course,\" Nirupa Pandya  Bhatt, managing director, India and Middle East, GIA, said.\r\n\r\nThe IGI, which launched a school in Surat last week, will offer a  wide range of courses in diamond and jewellery industry. \"We have been  conducting courses and programmes in Surat for over nine years. We have  expanded our operations here with the launch of School of Gemology. We  plan to introduce a number of practical courses for the diamond  industry,\" Ramit Kapur, general manager, IGI, said. Rapaport group,  which offers trading, grading, certification and other services in  diamond industry, and whose pricelists of polished diamonds are  considered global benchmarks, also started its operations in Surat in  late 2008. Industry experts say that the large potential Surat offers  for diamond grading business, on account of the large number of diamond  cutting and polishing units, is another reason why leading institutes  are keen to cover the Diamond  City.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/dna-daily-news-analysis-mumbai/mi_8111/is_20100219/foreign-institutes-bedazzled-surats-diamond/ai_n50828395/\" target=\"_blank\">Foreign institutes bedazzled by Surat\'s diamond industry</a>','Foreign Institutes Bedazzled by Surat’s Diamond Industry','','inherit','open','open','','457-autosave','','','2010-06-07 07:01:49','2010-06-07 07:01:49','',457,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/457-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(781,1,'2010-06-07 07:18:28','2010-06-07 07:18:28','<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_200\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 170px;\"> <dt><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/WORLDS-SMALLEST-DIAMOND_BIGGSTOCK.jpg\"><img title=\"WORLD\'S SMALLEST  DIAMOND_BIGGSTOCK\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/WORLDS-SMALLEST-DIAMOND_BIGGSTOCK.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"160\" height=\"145\" /></a></dt> <dd>world\'s smallest diamond</dd> </dl></div>\r\nIn what  could be described as an amazing achievement, a diamond manufacturing  company in Surat has cut and polished the <strong>world\'s smallest diamond,  weighing just 0.0003 carat or 0.00006 gram</strong>. The diamond has been cut  and polished by a sight-holder of Diamond Trading Company (DTC) based  in Surat, according to industry officials.\r\n\r\n\"Surat has always had the expertise to cut smaller stones, but it is a  wonder how the person managed to cut and polish such a small piece. It  is the smallest diamond polished in the world,\" Roland Lorie, CEO of  International Gemological Institute (IGI) said. <strong>The stone has been  cut by hand.</strong> It is hardly visible to naked eyes. It\'s an amazing  achievement, Lorie added.Lorie said the stone was cut and polished in  Surat. It was also graded and certified in IGI\'s certification  laboratory in the city. Lorie said the<strong> stone has 57 facets</strong>, but  refused to divulge name of the Surat company that has polished the  smallest diamond.\r\n\r\nHe, however, added that the company is planning to approach Guinness  Book of Records for official recognition of the amazing feat. \"Polishing  a stone of this size is an art. It would feel like a grain of sand in  one\'s hand,\" Tehmasp Printer, managing director of IGI India, said.  Industry experts said that cutting and polishing of diamonds of 0.002  carat, i.e. 500 stones per carat, is common in Surat.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_at-00006-gm-surat-s-diamond-is-world-s-smallest_1371958\" target=\"_blank\">Surat\'s smallest diamond</a>','Surat Manufactured World’s Smallest Diamond','','inherit','open','open','','451-autosave','','','2010-06-07 07:18:28','2010-06-07 07:18:28','',451,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/451-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(782,1,'2010-06-07 07:49:16','2010-06-07 07:49:16','[gallery]\r\n\r\n<strong>The line completes 10 years, offers new collection to mark this feat</strong>\r\n\r\nBulgari has completed 10 years of selling the B.zero1 line of jewellery, and to celebrate its achievement, the brand has launched a new collection of rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. The company believes that B.zero1 has lent emerged as its primary successful collection, reflecting sales of over 1.4 million pieces since its inception. From the time of its introduction, B.zero1 was a line of gold rings decorated with diamonds and gems, and has evolved into a wider portfolio of bracelets, pendants, earrings and wristwatches, and handbags.\r\n\r\nDesigns of the new collection launched for its 10th anniversary are re-styled versions of the line’s classic forms, created using 15 varieties of materials and combining them differently. An example of the different material combinations includes two externally geared rings with the traditional \"BVLGARI BVLGARI\" logo in pink gold in contrast to the spiral shape in white or black ceramic, inspired by Bulgari’s Chandra collection launched in 1994.\r\n\r\nBulgari’s new B.zero1 line has begun retailing at stores this month\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4980\" target=\"_blank\">Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials </a>','Bulgari’s B.zero.1 jewellery line innovates with materials ','','inherit','open','open','','731-autosave','','','2010-06-07 07:49:16','2010-06-07 07:49:16','',731,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/731-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(783,1,'2010-06-07 08:55:45','2010-06-07 08:55:45','[caption id=\"attachment_216\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"270\" caption=\"reliance in jewel\"]<strong><strong><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Reliance-jewel-to-open-soon.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-216\" title=\"Reliance-jewel-to-open-soon_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Reliance-jewel-to-open-soon-270x300.jpg\" alt=\"reliance is back\" width=\"270\" height=\"300\" /></a></strong></strong>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> </strong>According to a recent report in the Mumbai Mirror, Reliance Retail is soon to launch its foray into jewellery with 20 ‘Reliance Jewel’ outlets in Mumbai. The outlets are scheduled to open by the end of next year, with three stores expected to be inaugurated in the first quarter of the next year. Reliance Retail is aiming at a total of 400 outlets by the end of the three year. Reliance Jewel would retail 8,000 – 10,000 jewellery designs, which would be created by in-house designers manufacturing although would be outsourced. The stores will cover a cumulative area of 6,000-10,000 sq ft.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=1856\" target=\"”\">Reliance Jewel to open soon</a>','Reliance Jewel To Open Soon','','inherit','open','open','','541-autosave','','','2010-06-07 08:55:45','2010-06-07 08:55:45','',541,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/541-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(784,1,'2010-06-05 06:00:45','2010-06-05 06:00:45','[caption id=\"attachment_893\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"344\" caption=\"Arosa plans to increase diamond production in next 3 years\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-893\" title=\"arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"344\" height=\"191\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales. The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\" >Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>\r\n','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','publish','open','open','','alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3-years-2','','','2010-06-05 06:00:45','2010-06-05 06:00:45','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=784',0,'post','',0),(785,1,'2010-06-01 06:25:40','2010-06-01 06:25:40','<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_786\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 285px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-786\" title=\"alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"153\" /></a>Alrosa plans to increase diamond production</dt> </dl></div>\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales.The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\">Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','publish','open','open','','alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3-years','','','2010-06-01 06:25:40','2010-06-01 06:25:40','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=785',0,'post','',0),(786,1,'2010-06-01 06:18:23','2010-06-01 06:18:23','','alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock','Alrosa plans to increase diamond production','inherit','open','open','','alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock','','','2010-06-01 06:18:23','2010-06-01 06:18:23','',785,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(787,1,'2010-06-01 06:20:53','2010-06-01 06:20:53','<div class=\"mceTemp\"></div>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_786\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 285px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-786\" title=\"alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"153\" /></a>Alrosa plans to increase diamond production</dt></dl></div>\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales.\n\nThe plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\n\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\n\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\n\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','785-revision','','','2010-06-01 06:20:53','2010-06-01 06:20:53','',785,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/785-revision',0,'revision','',0),(788,1,'2010-06-01 06:22:24','2010-06-01 06:22:24','<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_786\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 285px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-786\" title=\"alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"153\" /></a>Alrosa plans to increase diamond production</dt> </dl></div>\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales.The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\n\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\n\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\n\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share\n\nREF: ','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','785-revision-2','','','2010-06-01 06:22:24','2010-06-01 06:22:24','',785,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/785-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(789,1,'2010-06-01 06:22:54','2010-06-01 06:22:54','<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_786\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 285px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-786\" title=\"alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"153\" /></a>Alrosa plans to increase diamond production</dt> </dl></div>\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales.The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\" >Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','785-revision-3','','','2010-06-01 06:22:54','2010-06-01 06:22:54','',785,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/785-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(790,1,'2010-06-01 06:22:56','2010-06-01 06:22:56','<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_786\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 285px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-786\" title=\"alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"153\" /></a>Alrosa plans to increase diamond production</dt> </dl></div>\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales.The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\" >Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','785-revision-4','','','2010-06-01 06:22:56','2010-06-01 06:22:56','',785,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/785-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(791,1,'2010-06-01 06:23:04','2010-06-01 06:23:04','<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_786\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 285px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-786\" title=\"alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"153\" /></a>Alrosa plans to increase diamond production</dt> </dl></div>\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales.The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\" >Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','785-revision-5','','','2010-06-01 06:23:04','2010-06-01 06:23:04','',785,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/785-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(792,1,'2010-06-01 06:23:38','2010-06-01 06:23:38','<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_786\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 285px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-786\" title=\"alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"153\" /></a>Alrosa plans to increase diamond production</dt> </dl></div>\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales.The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\" >Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','785-revision-6','','','2010-06-01 06:23:38','2010-06-01 06:23:38','',785,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/785-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(793,1,'2010-06-02 06:45:21','2010-06-02 06:45:21','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\">Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','publish','open','open','','shrenuj-fy-profit-up-114-diamond-sales-294-million','','','2010-06-02 06:47:52','2010-06-02 06:47:52','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=793',0,'post','',0),(794,1,'2010-06-01 06:27:54','2010-06-01 06:27:54','','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision','','','2010-06-01 06:27:54','2010-06-01 06:27:54','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision',0,'revision','',0),(795,1,'2010-06-01 06:28:48','2010-06-01 06:28:48','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-2','','','2010-06-01 06:28:48','2010-06-01 06:28:48','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(796,1,'2010-06-01 06:28:55','2010-06-01 06:28:55','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-3','','','2010-06-01 06:28:55','2010-06-01 06:28:55','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(797,1,'2010-06-01 06:32:09','2010-06-01 06:32:09','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://biggstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" >tttttttt</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-4','','','2010-06-01 06:32:09','2010-06-01 06:32:09','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(798,1,'2010-06-01 06:32:40','2010-06-01 06:32:40','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\" >Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-5','','','2010-06-01 06:32:40','2010-06-01 06:32:40','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(799,1,'2010-06-01 06:32:44','2010-06-01 06:32:44','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\" >Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-6','','','2010-06-01 06:32:44','2010-06-01 06:32:44','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(800,1,'2010-06-01 06:33:57','2010-06-01 06:33:57','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\" >Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-7','','','2010-06-01 06:33:57','2010-06-01 06:33:57','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(801,1,'2010-06-02 06:40:39','2010-06-02 06:40:39','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_802\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Carrie Bradshaw finally gets her ring in Sex &amp; the City 2 the 5 carat black diamond ring is from designer Itay Malkin\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nNew York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','publish','open','open','','black-diamond-gets-play-in-sex-and-the-city-2','','','2010-06-02 06:40:39','2010-06-02 06:40:39','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=801',0,'post','',0),(802,1,'2010-06-02 06:18:46','2010-06-02 06:18:46','','Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&-the-city_biggstock','','inherit','open','open','','carrie-bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock','','','2010-06-02 06:18:46','2010-06-02 06:18:46','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(803,1,'2010-06-02 06:08:32','2010-06-02 06:08:32','June 01, 2010\n\nNew York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\n\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\n\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\n\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\n\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\n\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\n\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\n\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\n\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision','','','2010-06-02 06:08:32','2010-06-02 06:08:32','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision',0,'revision','',0),(804,1,'2010-06-02 06:19:38','2010-06-02 06:19:38','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a> New York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-2','','','2010-06-02 06:19:38','2010-06-02 06:19:38','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(805,1,'2010-06-02 06:19:43','2010-06-02 06:19:43','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a> New York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-3','','','2010-06-02 06:19:43','2010-06-02 06:19:43','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(806,1,'2010-06-02 06:19:43','2010-06-02 06:19:43','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a> New York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-4','','','2010-06-02 06:19:43','2010-06-02 06:19:43','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(807,1,'2010-06-02 06:28:25','2010-06-02 06:28:25','June 01, 2010\n\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a> New York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\n\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\n\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\n\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\n\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\n\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\n\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\n\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\n\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\n\nREF: <a href =\"\"_blank\">title</a>\n','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-5','','','2010-06-02 06:28:25','2010-06-02 06:28:25','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(808,1,'2010-06-02 06:28:38','2010-06-02 06:28:38','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a> New York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href =\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\"_blank\">title</a>\r\n','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-6','','','2010-06-02 06:28:38','2010-06-02 06:28:38','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(809,1,'2010-06-02 06:28:39','2010-06-02 06:28:39','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a> New York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href =\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\"_blank\">title</a>\r\n','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-7','','','2010-06-02 06:28:39','2010-06-02 06:28:39','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(810,1,'2010-06-02 06:29:13','2010-06-02 06:29:13','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a> New York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href =\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\"_blank\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>\r\n','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-8','','','2010-06-02 06:29:13','2010-06-02 06:29:13','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(811,1,'2010-06-02 06:29:13','2010-06-02 06:29:13','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a> New York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href =\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\"_blank\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>\r\n','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-9','','','2010-06-02 06:29:13','2010-06-02 06:29:13','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(812,1,'2010-06-02 06:33:34','2010-06-02 06:33:34','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a> New York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href =\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\"_blank\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>\r\n','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-10','','','2010-06-02 06:33:34','2010-06-02 06:33:34','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(813,1,'2010-06-02 06:35:41','2010-06-02 06:35:41','June 01, 2010\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_802\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Carrie Bradshaw finally gets her ring in Sex and the City 2. The 5-carat black diamond ring is from designer Itay Malkin.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nNew York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\n\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\n\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\n\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\n\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\n\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\n\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\n\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\n\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-11','','','2010-06-02 06:35:41','2010-06-02 06:35:41','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-11',0,'revision','',0),(814,1,'2010-06-02 06:35:41','2010-06-02 06:35:41','June 01, 2010\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_802\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Carrie Bradshaw finally gets her ring in Sex and the City 2. The 5-carat black diamond ring is from designer Itay Malkin.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nNew York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\n\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\n\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\n\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\n\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\n\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\n\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\n\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\n\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-12','','','2010-06-02 06:35:41','2010-06-02 06:35:41','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-12',0,'revision','',0),(817,1,'2010-06-02 06:39:58','2010-06-02 06:39:58','June 01, 2010\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_802\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Carrie Bradshaw finally gets her ring in Sex &amp; the City 2the 5 carat black diamond ring is from designer Itay Malkin\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nNew York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\n\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\n\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\n\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\n\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\n\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\n\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\n\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\n\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-15','','','2010-06-02 06:39:58','2010-06-02 06:39:58','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-15',0,'revision','',0),(815,1,'2010-06-02 06:35:48','2010-06-02 06:35:48','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_802\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Carrie Bradshaw finally gets her ring in Sex and the City 2. The 5-carat black diamond ring is from designer Itay Malkin.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nNew York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-13','','','2010-06-02 06:35:48','2010-06-02 06:35:48','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-13',0,'revision','',0),(816,1,'2010-06-02 06:35:48','2010-06-02 06:35:48','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_802\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Carrie Bradshaw finally gets her ring in Sex and the City 2. The 5-carat black diamond ring is from designer Itay Malkin.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nNew York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-14','','','2010-06-02 06:35:48','2010-06-02 06:35:48','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-14',0,'revision','',0),(818,1,'2010-06-02 06:40:07','2010-06-02 06:40:07','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_802\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Carrie Bradshaw finally gets her ring in Sex &amp; the City 2 the 5 carat black diamond ring is from designer Itay Malkin\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nNew York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-16','','','2010-06-02 06:40:07','2010-06-02 06:40:07','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-16',0,'revision','',0),(819,1,'2010-06-02 06:40:09','2010-06-02 06:40:09','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_802\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Carrie Bradshaw finally gets her ring in Sex &amp; the City 2 the 5 carat black diamond ring is from designer Itay Malkin\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nNew York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-revision-17','','','2010-06-02 06:40:09','2010-06-02 06:40:09','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-revision-17',0,'revision','',0),(820,1,'2010-06-02 05:58:40','2010-06-02 05:58:40','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\" >Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-8','','','2010-06-02 05:58:40','2010-06-02 05:58:40','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(821,1,'2010-06-02 06:40:54','2010-06-02 06:40:54','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\">Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-9','','','2010-06-02 06:40:54','2010-06-02 06:40:54','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(822,1,'2010-06-02 06:40:54','2010-06-02 06:40:54','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\">Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-10','','','2010-06-02 06:40:54','2010-06-02 06:40:54','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(823,1,'2010-06-02 06:43:40','2010-06-02 06:43:40','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\">Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-11','','','2010-06-02 06:43:40','2010-06-02 06:43:40','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-11',0,'revision','',0),(824,1,'2010-06-02 06:43:40','2010-06-02 06:43:40','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\">Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-12','','','2010-06-02 06:43:40','2010-06-02 06:43:40','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-12',0,'revision','',0),(825,1,'2010-06-02 06:44:22','2010-06-02 06:44:22','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\">Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-13','','','2010-06-02 06:44:22','2010-06-02 06:44:22','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-13',0,'revision','',0),(826,1,'2010-06-07 06:52:56','2010-06-07 06:52:56','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\">Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-autosave','','','2010-06-07 06:52:56','2010-06-07 06:52:56','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(827,1,'2010-06-02 06:45:21','2010-06-02 06:45:21','<p dir=\"ltr\">Mumbai-based diamond firm Shrenuj posted $408.2 million in net sales in the fiscal year ending March 31. This is a 29.4 percent increase over the previous year. Diamond sales increased 43.1 percent to $293.8 million, the company reported on Saturday.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The company was buoyed by a jump in trade in the fourth quarter, which pulled up the entire year’s results. Net sales in the quarter totaled $130.9 million, a 64.5 percent leap over the fourth quarter of prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Diamond sales leaped 75.3 percent to $101.3 million. Studded jewelry sales increased 7.2 percent to 24.3 million.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The DTC Sightholder posted net profit of $11 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, soaring 114.3 percent year-over-year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">“We have seen a positive upturn in the US market in the first quarter,” said Shrenuj Chairman and Managing Director Shreyas Doshi. “Our outlook for Indian, Chinese and US markets remains optimistic. Having said that, the overall economic scenario still remains volatile. Europe remains a matter of concern.”</p>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34090\" target=\"_blank\">Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million</a>','Shrenuj FY Profit Up 114%, Diamond Sales $294 Million','','inherit','open','open','','793-revision-14','','','2010-06-02 06:45:21','2010-06-02 06:45:21','',793,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/793-revision-14',0,'revision','',0),(828,1,'2010-06-03 04:33:06','2010-06-03 04:33:06','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\r\n\r\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\r\n\r\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\r\n\r\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\r\n\r\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\r\n\r\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\r\n\r\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/diamonds/supply/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a6aeaff94fff1d371\" target=\"_blank\" >NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone</a>\r\n','NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone ','','publish','open','open','','nyc-gem-tower-approved-now-by-foreign-trade-zone','','','2010-06-03 04:33:06','2010-06-03 04:33:06','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=828',0,'post','',0),(829,1,'2010-06-03 04:17:11','2010-06-03 04:17:11','','NYC gem tower now foreign trade zone approved','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision','','','2010-06-03 04:17:11','2010-06-03 04:17:11','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision',0,'revision','',0),(830,1,'2010-06-03 04:18:23','2010-06-03 04:18:23','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\n\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\n\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\n\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\n\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\n\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\n\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\n\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61','NYC gem tower now foreign trade zone approved','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-2','','','2010-06-03 04:18:23','2010-06-03 04:18:23','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(831,1,'2010-06-03 04:18:25','2010-06-03 04:18:25','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\r\n\r\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\r\n\r\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\r\n\r\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\r\n\r\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\r\n\r\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\r\n\r\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61','NYC gem tower now foreign trade zone approved','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-3','','','2010-06-03 04:18:25','2010-06-03 04:18:25','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(832,1,'2010-06-03 04:18:47','2010-06-03 04:18:47','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\r\n\r\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\r\n\r\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\r\n\r\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\r\n\r\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\r\n\r\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\r\n\r\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61','NYC gem tower now foreign trade zone approved','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-4','','','2010-06-03 04:18:47','2010-06-03 04:18:47','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(833,1,'2010-06-03 04:19:28','2010-06-03 04:19:28','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\r\n\r\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\r\n\r\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\r\n\r\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\r\n\r\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\r\n\r\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\r\n\r\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61','NYC gem tower now foreign trade zone approved','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-5','','','2010-06-03 04:19:28','2010-06-03 04:19:28','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(834,1,'2010-06-03 04:26:28','2010-06-03 04:26:28','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\r\n\r\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\r\n\r\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\r\n\r\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\r\n\r\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\r\n\r\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\r\n\r\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61','NYC gem tower now foreign trade zone approved','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-6','','','2010-06-03 04:26:28','2010-06-03 04:26:28','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(835,1,'2010-06-03 04:26:54','2010-06-03 04:26:54','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\r\n\r\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\r\n\r\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\r\n\r\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\r\n\r\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\r\n\r\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\r\n\r\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61','NYC gem tower now foreign trade zone approved','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-7','','','2010-06-03 04:26:54','2010-06-03 04:26:54','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(836,1,'2010-06-03 04:30:15','2010-06-03 04:30:15','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\n\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\n\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\n\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\n\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\n\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\n\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\n\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/diamonds/supply/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a6aeaff94fff1d371\" target=\"_blank\" >NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone</a>\n','NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone ','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-8','','','2010-06-03 04:30:15','2010-06-03 04:30:15','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(837,1,'2010-06-03 04:30:35','2010-06-03 04:30:35','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\r\n\r\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\r\n\r\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\r\n\r\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\r\n\r\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\r\n\r\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\r\n\r\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/diamonds/supply/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a6aeaff94fff1d371\" target=\"_blank\" >NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone</a>\r\n','NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone ','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-9','','','2010-06-03 04:30:35','2010-06-03 04:30:35','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(838,1,'2010-06-03 04:30:48','2010-06-03 04:30:48','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\r\n\r\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\r\n\r\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\r\n\r\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\r\n\r\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\r\n\r\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\r\n\r\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/diamonds/supply/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a6aeaff94fff1d371\" target=\"_blank\" >NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone</a>\r\n','NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone ','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-10','','','2010-06-03 04:30:48','2010-06-03 04:30:48','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(839,1,'2010-06-03 04:32:39','2010-06-03 04:32:39','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\r\n\r\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\r\n\r\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\r\n\r\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\r\n\r\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\r\n\r\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\r\n\r\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/diamonds/supply/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a6aeaff94fff1d371\" target=\"_blank\" >NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone</a>\r\n','NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone ','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-11','','','2010-06-03 04:32:39','2010-06-03 04:32:39','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-11',0,'revision','',0),(840,1,'2010-06-03 04:32:44','2010-06-03 04:32:44','<em>June 01, 2010</em>\r\n\r\nNew York--The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the new International Gem Tower in New York\'s Diamond District as a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the agency announced late last week.\r\n\r\nThe designation means that business tenants in the tower, which is still under construction, will be able to import foreign merchandise without customs entry or the payment of U.S. duties until the goods are sold. No duty will be payable on re-exported goods.\r\n\r\nIn a press release, Raizy Haas, senior vice president of tower developer Extell Development Co., said the approval of FTZ status is another key milestone in the progress of the tower, a 34-story commercial condominium designed specifically for the diamond, gem and jewelry trade.\r\n\r\n\"In 2012, New York will finally have a modern industry building to house the trade,\" he said. \"And in addition to the beautiful design and technical innovation, we are focused on providing the services and amenities that drive value for our buyers.\"\r\n\r\nLocated at 50 W. 47 St. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the International Gem Tower is slated for completion in late 2012. More than 100,000 square feet of space has already been committed to various jewelry companies.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the below-grade concrete and metal deck work is nearing completion at the construction site. Work is slated to soon begin on the utilities and slab on grade work and will take about three months.\r\n\r\nThe tower\'s development and sales teams will be at the upcoming Las Vegas Market Week shows, including at Couture 2010, Suite TS3 in the Diamond Pavilion, and at JCK Las Vegas, Booth L61\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/diamonds/supply/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a6aeaff94fff1d371\" target=\"_blank\" >NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone</a>\r\n','NYC gem tower approved now by foreign trade zone ','','inherit','open','open','','828-revision-12','','','2010-06-03 04:32:44','2010-06-03 04:32:44','',828,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/828-revision-12',0,'revision','',0),(1006,1,'2010-06-11 06:15:29','2010-06-11 06:15:29','June 10, \'10, 11:58 IDEX Online Staff Reporter\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/dalumi-group-launched-fancy-yellow-diamond-jewelry-splendor_biggstock.jpg\"><img title=\"dalumi-group-launched-fancy-yellow-diamond-jewelry-splendor_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/dalumi-group-launched-fancy-yellow-diamond-jewelry-splendor_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"228\" height=\"358\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe Dalumi Group has launched a new line of fancy yellow diamond jewelry, Splendor. The new line joins the recently introduced Eclipse, a line of one carat fancy yellow diamond collection.\r\n\r\nSplendor is a limited collection jewelry line composed of ten sets intended for evening a<strong></strong>nd cocktail wear. The line is based on emerald cut fancy yellow goods, with a total weight of 2–6 carats. The main yellow stones are surrounded by smaller diamonds, and set in rose and white gold.\r\n\r\nEach set includes matching earrings, a necklace and a bracelet.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/dalumi-group-launched-fancy-yellow-diamond-jewelry-splendor_biggstock.jpg\"></a>The “sumptuous look,” the company said, “sets the tone for a royal look.”\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34135\" target=\"_blank\">Dalumi Expanding Fancy Yellow Jewelry Line</a>','Dalumi Expanding Fancy Yellow Jewelry Line','','publish','open','open','','dalumi-expanding-fancy-yellow-jewelry-line','','','2010-06-11 06:15:29','2010-06-11 06:15:29','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1006',0,'post','',0),(842,1,'2010-06-04 05:51:52','2010-06-04 05:51:52','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','publish','open','open','','gold-demand-to-hold-steady','','','2010-06-05 06:51:52','2010-06-05 06:51:52','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=842',0,'post','',0),(843,1,'2010-06-03 11:47:19','2010-06-03 11:47:19','','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision','','','2010-06-03 11:47:19','2010-06-03 11:47:19','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision',0,'revision','',0),(850,1,'2010-06-04 04:35:54','2010-06-04 04:35:54','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) usi','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-7','','','2010-06-04 04:35:54','2010-06-04 04:35:54','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(844,1,'2010-06-03 11:48:49','2010-06-03 11:48:49','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\n\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\n\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\n\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\n\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \n\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \n\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \n\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \n\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \n\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >tttttttt</a>\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-2','','','2010-06-03 11:48:49','2010-06-03 11:48:49','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(849,1,'2010-06-04 04:35:54','2010-06-04 04:35:54','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) usi','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-7','','','2010-06-04 04:35:54','2010-06-04 04:35:54','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(845,1,'2010-06-03 11:48:54','2010-06-03 11:48:54','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-3','','','2010-06-03 11:48:54','2010-06-03 11:48:54','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(846,1,'2010-06-03 11:48:56','2010-06-03 11:48:56','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-4','','','2010-06-03 11:48:56','2010-06-03 11:48:56','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(847,1,'2010-06-03 11:55:55','2010-06-03 11:55:55','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-5','','','2010-06-03 11:55:55','2010-06-03 11:55:55','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(848,1,'2010-06-03 11:59:33','2010-06-03 11:59:33','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-6','','','2010-06-03 11:59:33','2010-06-03 11:59:33','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(851,1,'2010-06-04 04:36:00','2010-06-04 04:36:00','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-8','','','2010-06-04 04:36:00','2010-06-04 04:36:00','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(852,1,'2010-06-04 04:44:35','2010-06-04 04:44:35','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-9','','','2010-06-04 04:44:35','2010-06-04 04:44:35','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(853,1,'2010-06-04 04:44:38','2010-06-04 04:44:38','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-10','','','2010-06-04 04:44:38','2010-06-04 04:44:38','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(854,1,'2010-06-04 04:46:04','2010-06-04 04:46:04','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-11','','','2010-06-04 04:46:04','2010-06-04 04:46:04','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-11',0,'revision','',0),(855,1,'2010-06-04 05:51:21','2010-06-04 05:51:21','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-12','','','2010-06-04 05:51:21','2010-06-04 05:51:21','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-12',0,'revision','',0),(856,1,'2010-06-05 06:51:50','2010-06-05 06:51:50','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-autosave','','','2010-06-05 06:51:50','2010-06-05 06:51:50','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(858,1,'2010-06-01 05:59:42','2010-06-01 05:59:42','Alrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales. The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\n\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\n\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\n\n The June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share.','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','784-revision','','','2010-06-01 05:59:42','2010-06-01 05:59:42','',784,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/784-revision',0,'revision','',0),(859,1,'2010-06-04 11:11:54','2010-06-04 11:11:54','Alrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales. The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\n The June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share.','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','784-revision-2','','','2010-06-04 11:11:54','2010-06-04 11:11:54','',784,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/784-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1020,1,'2010-06-12 05:58:09','2010-06-12 05:58:09','<div>\r\n\r\nThe recent new high in gold prices stood at $1,250 per ounce on Wednesday this week, since it last touched peak of $1,249.7 in May 2010. Gold prices are continuing to attract investor sentiments, following fear of the Greek economic crisis affecting smaller European countries like Spain, Hungary and Portugal. Media reports also state a reference of Britain’s fiscal deficit being “formidable”, raising investor demand for the yellow metal.\r\n\r\nThe weakening of the dollar too has affected gold prices. Reports add that the prices in the New York Mercantile Exchange soared for the seventh straight day outstripping $1,225 an ounce .Demand for gold ETFs has increased, while the physical demand has not as much. Also, industry analysts predict the gold price rise could touch $2000 per ounce this year, if the European debt crisis reaches the United States.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5019\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold touches its new high of $1,250 per ounce </a>	','Gold touches its new high of $1,250 per ounce ','','publish','open','open','','gold-touches-its-new-high-of-1250-per-ounce','','','2010-06-12 05:58:17','2010-06-12 05:58:17','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1020',0,'post','',0),(861,1,'2010-06-05 05:43:58','2010-06-05 05:43:58','Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 18 months during May. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 116.5 for May; it last stood at this level in December 2008.\r\n\r\nMay’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered nearly half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, just over 7 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, almost 11 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nOver the past year, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.1 percent; based on average prices during April and May 2010, it has risen by 1.6 percent on a month-to-month basis.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in May, the IDEX Polished Diamond Price Index rose sharply at the beginning of the second week, and held steady at this higher level for the remainder of the month as it built a firm base which we believe will provide a springboard for higher prices later this year.\r\n\r\nFirst quarter sales trends from U.S. retailers and specialty jewelers indicate that people have resumed buying jewelry at a pace nearly equal to the robust days of two years ago. We believe that diamond demand will continue to grow, resulting in a November-December holiday selling season this year that could see jewelry sales rise by a mid-to-high single digit level.\r\n\r\nThe graph below summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_862\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"541\" caption=\"Online polished diamond price index\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"541\" height=\"326\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34101\" target=\"_blank\">Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May</a>','Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May','','publish','open','open','','polished-diamond-demand-pushes-prices-higher-in-may','','','2010-06-05 05:43:58','2010-06-05 05:43:58','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=861',0,'post','',0),(862,1,'2010-06-04 11:31:02','2010-06-04 11:31:02','','Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock','Online polished diamond price indes','inherit','open','open','','online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock','','','2010-06-04 11:31:02','2010-06-04 11:31:02','',861,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif',0,'attachment','image/gif',0),(863,1,'2010-06-04 11:34:13','2010-06-04 11:34:13','Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 18 months during May. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 116.5 for May; it last stood at this level in December 2008.\n\nMay’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered nearly half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, just over 7 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, almost 11 percent higher than today’s average prices.\n\nOver the past year, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.1 percent; based on average prices during April and May 2010, it has risen by 1.6 percent on a month-to-month basis.\n\nOn a day-to-day basis in May, the IDEX Polished Diamond Price Index rose sharply at the beginning of the second week, and held steady at this higher level for the remainder of the month as it built a firm base which we believe will provide a springboard for higher prices later this year.\n\nFirst quarter sales trends from U.S. retailers and specialty jewelers indicate that people have resumed buying jewelry at a pace nearly equal to the robust days of two years ago. We believe that diamond demand will continue to grow, resulting in a November-December holiday selling season this year that could see jewelry sales rise by a mid-to-high single digit level.\n\nThe graph below summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_862\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"541\" caption=\"Online polished diamond price index\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"541\" height=\"326\" /></a>[/caption]','IDEX Online Research:Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May','','inherit','open','open','','861-revision','','','2010-06-04 11:34:13','2010-06-04 11:34:13','',861,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/861-revision',0,'revision','',0),(864,1,'2010-06-04 11:35:40','2010-06-04 11:35:40','Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 18 months during May. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 116.5 for May; it last stood at this level in December 2008.\r\n\r\nMay’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered nearly half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, just over 7 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, almost 11 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nOver the past year, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.1 percent; based on average prices during April and May 2010, it has risen by 1.6 percent on a month-to-month basis.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in May, the IDEX Polished Diamond Price Index rose sharply at the beginning of the second week, and held steady at this higher level for the remainder of the month as it built a firm base which we believe will provide a springboard for higher prices later this year.\r\n\r\nFirst quarter sales trends from U.S. retailers and specialty jewelers indicate that people have resumed buying jewelry at a pace nearly equal to the robust days of two years ago. We believe that diamond demand will continue to grow, resulting in a November-December holiday selling season this year that could see jewelry sales rise by a mid-to-high single digit level.\r\n\r\nThe graph below summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_862\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"541\" caption=\"Online polished diamond price index\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"541\" height=\"326\" /></a>[/caption]','IDEX Online Research:Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May','','inherit','open','open','','861-revision-2','','','2010-06-04 11:35:40','2010-06-04 11:35:40','',861,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/861-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(865,1,'2010-06-04 11:35:51','2010-06-04 11:35:51','Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 18 months during May. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 116.5 for May; it last stood at this level in December 2008.\r\n\r\nMay’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered nearly half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, just over 7 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, almost 11 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nOver the past year, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.1 percent; based on average prices during April and May 2010, it has risen by 1.6 percent on a month-to-month basis.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in May, the IDEX Polished Diamond Price Index rose sharply at the beginning of the second week, and held steady at this higher level for the remainder of the month as it built a firm base which we believe will provide a springboard for higher prices later this year.\r\n\r\nFirst quarter sales trends from U.S. retailers and specialty jewelers indicate that people have resumed buying jewelry at a pace nearly equal to the robust days of two years ago. We believe that diamond demand will continue to grow, resulting in a November-December holiday selling season this year that could see jewelry sales rise by a mid-to-high single digit level.\r\n\r\nThe graph below summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_862\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"541\" caption=\"Online polished diamond price index\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"541\" height=\"326\" /></a>[/caption]','IDEX Online Research:Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May','','inherit','open','open','','861-revision-3','','','2010-06-04 11:35:51','2010-06-04 11:35:51','',861,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/861-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(866,1,'2010-06-04 11:41:27','2010-06-04 11:41:27','Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 18 months during May. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 116.5 for May; it last stood at this level in December 2008.\r\n\r\nMay’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered nearly half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, just over 7 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, almost 11 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nOver the past year, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.1 percent; based on average prices during April and May 2010, it has risen by 1.6 percent on a month-to-month basis.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in May, the IDEX Polished Diamond Price Index rose sharply at the beginning of the second week, and held steady at this higher level for the remainder of the month as it built a firm base which we believe will provide a springboard for higher prices later this year.\r\n\r\nFirst quarter sales trends from U.S. retailers and specialty jewelers indicate that people have resumed buying jewelry at a pace nearly equal to the robust days of two years ago. We believe that diamond demand will continue to grow, resulting in a November-December holiday selling season this year that could see jewelry sales rise by a mid-to-high single digit level.\r\n\r\nThe graph below summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_862\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"541\" caption=\"Online polished diamond price index\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"541\" height=\"326\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34101\" target=\"_blank\" >Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May</a>	\r\n\r\n','Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May','','inherit','open','open','','861-revision-4','','','2010-06-04 11:41:27','2010-06-04 11:41:27','',861,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/861-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(867,1,'2010-06-04 11:41:40','2010-06-04 11:41:40','Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 18 months during May. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 116.5 for May; it last stood at this level in December 2008.\r\n\r\nMay’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered nearly half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, just over 7 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, almost 11 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nOver the past year, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.1 percent; based on average prices during April and May 2010, it has risen by 1.6 percent on a month-to-month basis.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in May, the IDEX Polished Diamond Price Index rose sharply at the beginning of the second week, and held steady at this higher level for the remainder of the month as it built a firm base which we believe will provide a springboard for higher prices later this year.\r\n\r\nFirst quarter sales trends from U.S. retailers and specialty jewelers indicate that people have resumed buying jewelry at a pace nearly equal to the robust days of two years ago. We believe that diamond demand will continue to grow, resulting in a November-December holiday selling season this year that could see jewelry sales rise by a mid-to-high single digit level.\r\n\r\nThe graph below summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_862\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"541\" caption=\"Online polished diamond price index\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"541\" height=\"326\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34101\" target=\"_blank\" >Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May</a>	\r\n\r\n','Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May','','inherit','open','open','','861-revision-5','','','2010-06-04 11:41:40','2010-06-04 11:41:40','',861,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/861-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(868,1,'2010-06-04 11:43:30','2010-06-04 11:43:30','Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 18 months during May. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 116.5 for May; it last stood at this level in December 2008.\r\n\r\nMay’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered nearly half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, just over 7 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, almost 11 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nOver the past year, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.1 percent; based on average prices during April and May 2010, it has risen by 1.6 percent on a month-to-month basis.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in May, the IDEX Polished Diamond Price Index rose sharply at the beginning of the second week, and held steady at this higher level for the remainder of the month as it built a firm base which we believe will provide a springboard for higher prices later this year.\r\n\r\nFirst quarter sales trends from U.S. retailers and specialty jewelers indicate that people have resumed buying jewelry at a pace nearly equal to the robust days of two years ago. We believe that diamond demand will continue to grow, resulting in a November-December holiday selling season this year that could see jewelry sales rise by a mid-to-high single digit level.\r\n\r\nThe graph below summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_862\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"541\" caption=\"Online polished diamond price index\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"541\" height=\"326\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34101\" target=\"_blank\" >Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May</a>	\r\n\r\n','Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May','','inherit','open','open','','861-revision-6','','','2010-06-04 11:43:30','2010-06-04 11:43:30','',861,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/861-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1026,1,'2010-06-14 06:31:28','2010-06-14 06:31:28','L Gopal Jewellers a leading Indian manufacturer and wholesaler of gold and diamond-studded jewellery, recently launched a new flagship showroom in Assam, on the occasion of completing its 25 years in the industry.\r\n\r\nThe celebrations of the event included a fashion show with four renditions, namely, ‘The L Gopal Story : A journey with many a milestone’, ‘From Assam, With Love’ – dedicated to Kamdev, the God of love, and presiding deity of the temple in Kamrup (the old name of Assam), ‘The Classic Collection’ of Kundan, Jadau and other jewellery studded with gems and precious stones and ‘Pragya’, the first brand of diamond jewellery from North-east India, launched by L Gopal Jewellers in December 2008 and already a winner. The show-stopper was none other than the heart-throb of Assam and face of L Gopal Jewellers, Barkha Rani Bishaya.\r\n\r\nTo continue its goodwill with its clientele, company launched a newsletter to periodically share its progress.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5028\" target=\"_blank\" > L Gopal Jewellers celebrates 25 years in business</a>',' L Gopal Jewellers celebrates 25 years in business ','','publish','open','open','','l-gopal-jewellers-celebrates-25-years-in-business','','','2010-06-14 06:31:28','2010-06-14 06:31:28','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1026',0,'post','',0),(870,1,'2010-06-05 05:42:52','2010-06-05 05:42:52','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds exports $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-873 \" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-exports-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nBotswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34106\" target=\"_blank\">Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','publish','open','open','','botswana-diamond-exports-233-6m-in-april','','','2010-06-05 05:42:52','2010-06-05 05:42:52','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=870',0,'post','',0),(871,1,'2010-06-05 05:28:46','2010-06-05 05:28:46','Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\n\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\n\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision','','','2010-06-05 05:28:46','2010-06-05 05:28:46','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision',0,'revision','',0),(872,1,'2010-06-05 05:33:18','2010-06-05 05:33:18','Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\n\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\n\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://biggstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" >tttttttt</a>	','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-2','','','2010-06-05 05:33:18','2010-06-05 05:33:18','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(873,1,'2010-06-05 05:37:04','2010-06-05 05:37:04','','Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock','Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April','inherit','open','open','','botswana-diamonds-233-6m-in-april_biggstock','','','2010-06-05 05:37:04','2010-06-05 05:37:04','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(874,1,'2010-06-05 05:38:09','2010-06-05 05:38:09','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" /></a>[/caption]Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\n\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\n\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34106\" target=\"_blank\" >Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>	','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-3','','','2010-06-05 05:38:09','2010-06-05 05:38:09','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(875,1,'2010-06-05 05:38:14','2010-06-05 05:38:14','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" /></a>[/caption]Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34106\" target=\"_blank\" >Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>	','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-4','','','2010-06-05 05:38:14','2010-06-05 05:38:14','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(876,1,'2010-06-05 05:38:22','2010-06-05 05:38:22','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" /></a>[/caption]Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34106\" target=\"_blank\" >Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>	','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-5','','','2010-06-05 05:38:22','2010-06-05 05:38:22','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(877,1,'2010-06-05 05:38:29','2010-06-05 05:38:29','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" /></a>[/caption]Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34106\" target=\"_blank\" >Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>	','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-6','','','2010-06-05 05:38:29','2010-06-05 05:38:29','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(878,1,'2010-06-05 05:39:08','2010-06-05 05:39:08','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" /></a>[/caption]Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34106\" target=\"_blank\" >Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-7','','','2010-06-05 05:39:08','2010-06-05 05:39:08','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(879,1,'2010-06-05 05:39:43','2010-06-05 05:39:43','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" /></a>[/caption]Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34106\" target=\"_blank\" >Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-8','','','2010-06-05 05:39:43','2010-06-05 05:39:43','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(880,1,'2010-06-05 05:39:51','2010-06-05 05:39:51','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" /></a>[/caption]Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34106\" target=\"_blank\" >Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-9','','','2010-06-05 05:39:51','2010-06-05 05:39:51','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(881,1,'2010-06-05 05:40:03','2010-06-05 05:40:03','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" /></a>[/caption]Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34106\" target=\"_blank\" >Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-10','','','2010-06-05 05:40:03','2010-06-05 05:40:03','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(882,1,'2010-06-05 05:40:09','2010-06-05 05:40:09','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" /></a>[/caption]Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34106\" target=\"_blank\" >Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-11','','','2010-06-05 05:40:09','2010-06-05 05:40:09','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-11',0,'revision','',0),(883,1,'2010-06-05 05:40:15','2010-06-05 05:40:15','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" /></a>[/caption]Botswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34106\" target=\"_blank\" >Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-12','','','2010-06-05 05:40:15','2010-06-05 05:40:15','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-12',0,'revision','',0),(884,1,'2010-06-05 05:40:45','2010-06-05 05:40:45','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nBotswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34106\" target=\"_blank\">Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-13','','','2010-06-05 05:40:45','2010-06-05 05:40:45','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-13',0,'revision','',0),(885,1,'2010-06-05 05:40:49','2010-06-05 05:40:49','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nBotswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34106\" target=\"_blank\">Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-14','','','2010-06-05 05:40:49','2010-06-05 05:40:49','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-14',0,'revision','',0),(886,1,'2010-06-05 05:40:50','2010-06-05 05:40:50','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nBotswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34106\" target=\"_blank\">Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-15','','','2010-06-05 05:40:50','2010-06-05 05:40:50','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-15',0,'revision','',0),(887,1,'2010-06-05 05:40:52','2010-06-05 05:40:52','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nBotswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34106\" target=\"_blank\">Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-16','','','2010-06-05 05:40:52','2010-06-05 05:40:52','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-16',0,'revision','',0),(888,1,'2010-06-05 05:42:12','2010-06-05 05:42:12','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds exports $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-873 \" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-exports-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nBotswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34106\" target=\"_blank\">Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-17','','','2010-06-05 05:42:12','2010-06-05 05:42:12','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-17',0,'revision','',0),(889,1,'2010-06-05 05:42:17','2010-06-05 05:42:17','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds exports $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-873 \" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-exports-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nBotswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34106\" target=\"_blank\">Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-revision-18','','','2010-06-05 05:42:17','2010-06-05 05:42:17','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-revision-18',0,'revision','',0),(890,1,'2010-06-04 11:45:11','2010-06-04 11:45:11','Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 18 months during May. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 116.5 for May; it last stood at this level in December 2008.\r\n\r\nMay’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered nearly half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, just over 7 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, almost 11 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nOver the past year, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.1 percent; based on average prices during April and May 2010, it has risen by 1.6 percent on a month-to-month basis.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in May, the IDEX Polished Diamond Price Index rose sharply at the beginning of the second week, and held steady at this higher level for the remainder of the month as it built a firm base which we believe will provide a springboard for higher prices later this year.\r\n\r\nFirst quarter sales trends from U.S. retailers and specialty jewelers indicate that people have resumed buying jewelry at a pace nearly equal to the robust days of two years ago. We believe that diamond demand will continue to grow, resulting in a November-December holiday selling season this year that could see jewelry sales rise by a mid-to-high single digit level.\r\n\r\nThe graph below summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_862\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"541\" caption=\"Online polished diamond price index\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"541\" height=\"326\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34101\" target=\"_blank\" >Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May</a>	\r\n\r\n','Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May','','inherit','open','open','','861-revision-7','','','2010-06-04 11:45:11','2010-06-04 11:45:11','',861,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/861-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(891,1,'2010-06-05 05:43:29','2010-06-05 05:43:29','Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 18 months during May. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 116.5 for May; it last stood at this level in December 2008.\r\n\r\nMay’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered nearly half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, just over 7 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, almost 11 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nOver the past year, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.1 percent; based on average prices during April and May 2010, it has risen by 1.6 percent on a month-to-month basis.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in May, the IDEX Polished Diamond Price Index rose sharply at the beginning of the second week, and held steady at this higher level for the remainder of the month as it built a firm base which we believe will provide a springboard for higher prices later this year.\r\n\r\nFirst quarter sales trends from U.S. retailers and specialty jewelers indicate that people have resumed buying jewelry at a pace nearly equal to the robust days of two years ago. We believe that diamond demand will continue to grow, resulting in a November-December holiday selling season this year that could see jewelry sales rise by a mid-to-high single digit level.\r\n\r\nThe graph below summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_862\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"541\" caption=\"Online polished diamond price index\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"541\" height=\"326\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34101\" target=\"_blank\">Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May</a>','Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May','','inherit','open','open','','861-revision-8','','','2010-06-05 05:43:29','2010-06-05 05:43:29','',861,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/861-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(892,1,'2010-06-04 11:14:48','2010-06-04 11:14:48','Alrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales. The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\n The June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share.','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','784-revision-3','','','2010-06-04 11:14:48','2010-06-04 11:14:48','',784,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/784-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(893,1,'2010-06-05 05:50:27','2010-06-05 05:50:27','','arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock','Arosa plans to increase diamond production in next 3 years','inherit','open','open','','arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock','','','2010-06-05 05:50:27','2010-06-05 05:50:27','',784,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(894,1,'2010-06-05 05:45:21','2010-06-05 05:45:21','Alrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales. The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share.','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','784-revision-4','','','2010-06-05 05:45:21','2010-06-05 05:45:21','',784,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/784-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(895,1,'2010-06-05 05:56:33','2010-06-05 05:56:33','[caption id=\"attachment_893\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"344\" caption=\"Arosa plans to increase diamond production in next 3 years\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-893\" title=\"arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"344\" height=\"191\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales. The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\" >Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>\r\n','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','784-revision-5','','','2010-06-05 05:56:33','2010-06-05 05:56:33','',784,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/784-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(896,1,'2010-06-05 05:56:35','2010-06-05 05:56:35','[caption id=\"attachment_893\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"344\" caption=\"Arosa plans to increase diamond production in next 3 years\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-893\" title=\"arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"344\" height=\"191\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales. The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\" >Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>\r\n','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','784-revision-6','','','2010-06-05 05:56:35','2010-06-05 05:56:35','',784,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/784-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(897,1,'2010-06-05 05:58:20','2010-06-05 05:58:20','[caption id=\"attachment_893\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"344\" caption=\"Arosa plans to increase diamond production in next 3 years\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-893\" title=\"arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"344\" height=\"191\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales. The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\" >Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>\r\n','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','784-revision-7','','','2010-06-05 05:58:20','2010-06-05 05:58:20','',784,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/784-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(898,1,'2010-06-05 05:58:26','2010-06-05 05:58:26','[caption id=\"attachment_893\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"344\" caption=\"Arosa plans to increase diamond production in next 3 years\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-893\" title=\"arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"344\" height=\"191\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales. The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\" >Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>\r\n','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','784-revision-8','','','2010-06-05 05:58:26','2010-06-05 05:58:26','',784,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/784-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(899,1,'2010-05-19 10:12:19','2010-05-19 10:12:19','<strong><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/logo.gif\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-182\" title=\"logo\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/logo.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"149\" height=\"57\" /></a>Mumbai diamond trade tangles in the cobwebs of Octroi</strong>\n\nA battle between diamond traders and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over payment of octroi seems to have been going on relentlessly for quite some time now.While inept method of octroi collection is harassing diamond merchants, BMC prefers to stay inactive at the background. But unfortunately, it is only the diamond business which is facing the consequences making trade difficult in Mumbai.Octroi is essentially a local tax collected by the municipality on goods brought into a district for consumption. Presently, it is pegged at 2 percent but traders have been struggling to bring it down.\n\nBesides, out of the 4,000 diamond merchants, only 5 percent have been enlisted with the BMC which implies that octroi is not applicable on all transactions between traders and only a handful of them end up paying the tax generating as much as Rs40-50 million.According to experts the total value of diamond imports is roughly Rs40,000 million. Jewelers have opined that if one paisa was collected for every Rs0.001 million of this value, it could help the BMC recover the octroi revenues. However, the BMC did not accept this proposal. States like Gujarat and Rajasthan have completely got rid of this tax system on diamonds which makes Mumbai less attractive even domestically.\n\nMr Sanjay Kothari, Chairman of Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) told <a href=\"http://www.fibre2fashion.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Fibre2fashion</a>, “We do not object from paying octroi but it should be 0.10 percent as imposed on gold but even this is not being considered by the BMC.”It is quite obvious that if it continues this way, the octroi duty structure will prove to a major hurdle in the way of making Mumbai a diamond trading hub\n\n<strong>India</strong><strong>: JJA &amp; GJEPC members visit IIGJ Mumbai</strong>\n\nA delegation from Japan Jewellery Association (JJA) headed by Mr. Imanishi Chairman, JJA alongwith three members accompanied by Mr. Atul Parekh GJEPC Co-ordinator visited IIGJ Mumbai.They were briefed and taken around the Institute by Col. (Retd) S.K.Arora , Head of the Institute. They were highly impressed with the State of the art training facilities available at IIGJ.\n\nThe purpose of their visit was to understand various facilities available in India in the sector of Gem &amp; Jewellery and to create awareness in Japan and also explore the areas of mutual co-operation. They also took an oppurtunity to meet Ms.Yuko Ogawa of Japan who successfully completed Basic Jewellery Design course, CAD/CAM Rhino Course &amp; Casting Course. Ms. Yuko Ogawa is a daughter of one of the jewellery designer of Japan. Indian Institute of Gems &amp; Jewellery<strong> </strong>\n\n<strong>India</strong><strong>: GJEPC concerned by DTC pruning key sight holders</strong>\n\nThe Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the apex body of the Indian gem and jewellery trade in India expresses grave concern over De Beers Diamond Trading Company (DTC) announcement of pruning of Indian sight holders from DTC clientele for 2008-2011. The new list has eliminated 25 established sight holders – some of many years’ standing – including eight firms in India and three Indian-owned firms in Belgium and added six new ones, including three from India. This means that 75 firms will receive regular supplies of rough diamonds for a three-year period beginning next year, down from the current 94.\n\nWhile the inclusion of three new Indian firms in the sight holder list is welcomed, the pruning of eight Indian firms defies analysis in the GJEPC’s view. While the DTC has mentioned the cut down on the list of sight holders due to a global shortage of rough diamonds, it has confounded its own reasoning by adding six new clients and drastically increasing the allocations of rough diamonds to several existing firms.\n\nWhile a shortage of rough diamonds worldwide is, indeed a reality, the GJEPC estimates that the shortfall will be no more than 10% of current global demand. The cuts instituted by the DTC impact processing capacity far above this shortfall – almost 25% of current installed capacity in India.According to Chairman, Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Sanjay A. Kothari, “The concern is on the impact of DTC’s business decision on the industry as a whole\n\n<strong>Pre-Budget Proposal from GJEPC</strong>\n\nThe Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has recently submitted a Pre-Budget Proposal for the year 2008-09 to the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Shri P Chidambaram. The council welcomes the Ministry’s efforts for the country’s economy.\n\nGJEPC has great expectations from the budget for the coming fiscal year. The letter also features elaborate views and suggestions, which are most likely to assist overall development of the industries in India\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org\" target=\"_blank\">Gem &amp; Jewelery Export Promotion Council</a>','Gem & Jewelery Export Promotion Council','','inherit','open','open','','178-revision-13','','','2010-05-19 10:12:19','2010-05-19 10:12:19','',178,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/178-revision-13',0,'revision','',0),(900,1,'2010-06-06 04:41:41','2010-06-06 04:41:41','[caption id=\"attachment_893\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"344\" caption=\"Arosa plans to increase diamond production in next 3 years\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-893\" title=\"arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production-in-next-3years_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"344\" height=\"191\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales. The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\" >Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>\r\n','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','784-autosave','','','2010-06-06 04:41:41','2010-06-06 04:41:41','',784,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/784-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(901,1,'2010-06-07 06:50:50','2010-06-07 06:50:50','Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 18 months during May. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 116.5 for May; it last stood at this level in December 2008.\r\n\r\nMay’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered nearly half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, just over 7 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, almost 11 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nOver the past year, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.1 percent; based on average prices during April and May 2010, it has risen by 1.6 percent on a month-to-month basis.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in May, the IDEX Polished Diamond Price Index rose sharply at the beginning of the second week, and held steady at this higher level for the remainder of the month as it built a firm base which we believe will provide a springboard for higher prices later this year.\r\n\r\nFirst quarter sales trends from U.S. retailers and specialty jewelers indicate that people have resumed buying jewelry at a pace nearly equal to the robust days of two years ago. We believe that diamond demand will continue to grow, resulting in a November-December holiday selling season this year that could see jewelry sales rise by a mid-to-high single digit level.\r\n\r\nThe graph below summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_862\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"541\" caption=\"Online polished diamond price index\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Online-polished-diamond-price-indes_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"541\" height=\"326\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34101\" target=\"_blank\">Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May</a>','Polished Diamond Demand Pushes Prices Higher in May','','inherit','open','open','','861-autosave','','','2010-06-07 06:50:50','2010-06-07 06:50:50','',861,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/861-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(902,1,'2010-06-07 09:11:25','2010-06-07 09:11:25','[caption id=\"attachment_873\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"359\" caption=\"Botswana diamonds exports $233.6M in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-873\" title=\"Botswana-diamonds-exports-$233.6M-in-April_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Botswana-diamonds-233.6M-in-April_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"359\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nBotswana exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds in April, according to the latest figures released by the Bank of Botswana. In the first four months of 2010, the country exported $710.4 million in diamonds.\r\n\r\nBotswana mainly exports rough diamonds, however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are now a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first quarter of 2010 Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of diamonds, 101.2 percent more than in the first quarter of 2009, but 48.4 percent less than in the first quarter of 2008\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34106\" target=\"_blank\">Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April</a>','Botswana Diamond Exports $233.6M in April','','inherit','open','open','','870-autosave','','','2010-06-07 09:11:25','2010-06-07 09:11:25','',870,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/870-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(903,1,'2010-06-04 05:51:52','2010-06-04 05:51:52','New York--Gold demand will remain strong in 2010, driven by demand for jewelry in developing nations and investment demand in the United States and Europe, the latest report on gold demand trends shows.\r\n\r\nDemand for gold in both India and China was very strong in the first-quarter 2010 as compared to the first-quarter 2009, despite high gold prices, according to the first-quarter 2010 Gold Demand Trends report, released last week by the World Gold Council (WGC) using data compiled by GFMS Ltd.\r\n\r\nPer-ounce gold prices averaged $1,109.12 in the first quarter, up 22 percent from $908.41 in the first-quarter 2009.\r\n\r\nIn India, where gold jewelry accounted for 75 percent of gold demand in 2009 and where gold is considered a hedge against inflation, total consumer demand rose 698 percent in the first-quarter 2010 to 193.5 tons, making it the strongest-performing market for consumer gold demand worldwide. Total consumer demand for gold in China was 139.7 tons in the first-quarter 2010, up 22 percent from 114.7 tons in the first quarter-2009.\r\n\r\nWhile shoppers\' desire to buy gold is less strong in the United States and Europe--in both places, consumer demand hovered around 40 tons in the first quarter--ongoing concerns about the economy will continue to drive investment demand there. \r\n\r\nAccording to the report, the attraction of gold to investors as a liquid, reliable asset that is a stable store of value is high, given the weak economic recovery in the United States and Europe burdened by high and rising public debt levels. In addition, increasing concern over Greece\'s financial problems and debt contagion fears in the United States and Europe have led to increased buying of gold coins, bars and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which may lead to growth in investment demand in the second quarter. \r\n\r\nOverall, the volume of total identifiable gold demand in the first quarter was 760.2 tons, a 25 percent decline compared to the first-quarter 2009, according to the report. In U.S. dollar terms, the decline was 9 percent. \r\n\r\nDemand growth was strongest in the jewelry sector (up 43 percent) and industrial sector (up 31 percent), while overall identifiable investment demand slid 69 percent relative to an exceptionally strong first-quarter 2009. \r\n\r\nThe report notes that if the economy does start picking up in the Western world in the second half of 2010, jewelry demand will recover along with it, fueled in part by pent-up demand for product.  \r\n\r\n\"If economic recovery does gather pace in Western countries during the second half of 2010, this will enable jewelry demand in Europe and [the United States] to recover, propelled initially by restocking in the jewelry sector as stocks have been run down to very lean levels,\" the report states\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3if0e09b86f3dc219ae84c865051d37551\" target=\"_blank\" >Gold demand to hold steady</a>\r\n','Gold demand to hold steady','','inherit','open','open','','842-revision-13','','','2010-06-04 05:51:52','2010-06-04 05:51:52','',842,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/842-revision-13',0,'revision','',0),(904,1,'2010-05-25 08:09:32','2010-05-25 08:09:32','De Beers Canada has cancelled its four-week December production  shutdown at the Snap Lake Diamond mine.\r\n\r\nThe news comes two weeks after Rio Tinto, majority owner of the  Diavik diamond mine, cancelled its own winter shutdown.\r\n\r\n“We’ve met with all of our employees on site and in Yellowknife and  will continue to meet with employees coming back to site (on their  rotations),” said De Beers Canada spokesperson Cathie Bolstad. “We’re  working to accommodate any employees who had made plans to be off.”\r\n\r\nAfter visiting with workers at the mine, Bolstad said, “I think  there’s a sense of relief, a relief in terms of they’re seeing positive  signs in the industry.”\r\n\r\nResponding to a reduced demand for diamonds worldwide, De Beers shut  down Snap Lake from July 22 to August 26, with only 60 workers remaining  on site per rotation. The company also reduced its rate of production  to align with slumping demand.\r\n\r\nEven with December production back on the schedule, the mine’s rate  of production is “still a curtailed production rate and significantly  below the mine’s capability, which is 1.5 million carats per year,” said  Bolstad.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, the mine, which officially began commercial production  halfway through the year, produced 926,000 carats, accounting for 6.9  per cent of diamonds produced in the NWT that year.\r\n\r\nBolstad could not provide a production estimate for 2009 as of press  time.\r\n\r\nDe Beers Canada has cancelled its four-week December production  shutdown at the Snap Lake Diamond mine.\r\n\r\nThe news comes two weeks after Rio Tinto, majority owner of the  Diavik diamond mine, cancelled its own winter shutdown.\r\n\r\n“We’ve met with all of our employees on site and in Yellowknife and  will continue to meet with employees coming back to site (on their  rotations),” said De Beers Canada spokesperson Cathie Bolstad. “We’re  working to accommodate any employees who had made plans to be off.”\r\n\r\nAfter visiting with workers at the mine, Bolstad said, “I think  there’s a sense of relief, a relief in terms of they’re seeing positive  signs in the industry.”\r\n\r\nResponding to a reduced demand for diamonds worldwide, De Beers shut  down Snap Lake from July 22 to August 26, with only 60 workers remaining  on site per rotation. The company also reduced its rate of production  to align with slumping demand.\r\n\r\nEven with December production back on the schedule, the mine’s rate  of production is “still a curtailed production rate and significantly  below the mine’s capability, which is 1.5 million carats per year,” said  Bolstad.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, the mine, which officially began commercial production  halfway through the year, produced 926,000 carats, accounting for 6.9  per cent of diamonds produced in the NWT that year.\r\n\r\nBolstad could not provide a production estimate for 2009 as of press  time.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.nnsl.com\">NNSL News site</a>','De Beers cancels December shutdown','','inherit','open','open','','691-revision-2','','','2010-05-25 08:09:32','2010-05-25 08:09:32','',691,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/691-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(906,1,'2010-06-07 06:54:58','2010-06-07 06:54:58','June 01, 2010\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_802\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Carrie Bradshaw finally gets her ring in Sex &amp; the City 2 the 5 carat black diamond ring is from designer Itay Malkin\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-802\" title=\"Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-&amp;-the-city_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Carrie-Bradshaw-finally-gets-her-ring-in-sex-the-city_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nNew York--Spoiler alert! Sex and the City fans will remember that at the end of the 2008 film, Carrie Bradshaw got engaged with a diamond-encrusted shoe rather than a diamond-encrusted ring. While it seemed a fitting engagement for the die-hard fashionista, fans who might have been gunning to see Carrie get a ring will finally get their wish.\r\n\r\nBack for another round in Sex and the City 2, which opened at the No. 2 spot at the box office this weekend, Carrie and her trio of best friends, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, sport jewelry throughout, but the piece that\'s getting fans talking is a 5-carat diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin.\r\n\r\nThe hefty carat weight makes for a talking point of its own, but the real buzz factor is the diamond\'s hue. For fearless fashionista Carrie--who was ready to get married in the first film wearing a bright blue feather on her head--a crystal clear diamond ring just wouldn\'t do.\r\n\r\nIn the final scene, Carrie\'s longtime love, Big, presents her with a black diamond ring, explaining \"because you are not like anyone else.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to a media release from Malkin, during prep for the film, the search was on for black diamond rings. Writer/director Michael Patrick King and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie, sifted through designs from more than 20 jewelry designers before selecting one of two rings anonymously submitted by Malkin.\r\n\r\nTo finalize the design, Malkin worked in collaboration with Parker and costume designer Patricia Field, debuting on the big screen a 5-carat black diamond ring set in 18-karat white gold and surrounded by 80 round natural colorless pave diamonds.\r\n\r\nFans inspired to own a black diamond ring of their own--especially one like Carrie\'s--will be happy to find out that the ring won\'t just live on film. Itay Malkin will produce a replica ring in a limited-edition series, each stamped with the limited-edition serial number and certificate.\r\n\r\nRetailing at $10,000, the Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 ring is available for sale online at PatriciaField.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin at (888) 429-4884 or ItayMalkin.com.\r\n\r\nAlso spotted in the film: colorful statement necklaces, oversized pendants, shoulder-grazing earrings and classic diamond jewelry, including Van Cleef and Arpels\' \"Vintage Alhambra\" necklace in white mother-of-pearl and \"Fleurette\' diamond stud earrings, both set in 18-karat white gold\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3if0e09b86f3dc219a427484cfb9313589\">Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'</a>','Black diamond gets play in \'Sex and the City 2\'','','inherit','open','open','','801-autosave','','','2010-06-07 06:54:58','2010-06-07 06:54:58','',801,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/801-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(907,1,'2010-06-07 06:56:15','2010-06-07 06:56:15','<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_786\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 285px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-786\" title=\"alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/alrosa-plans-to-increase-diamond-production_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"153\" /></a>Alrosa plans to increase diamond production</dt> </dl></div>\r\nAlrosa plans to produce 102.3 million carats of rough diamonds in the 2010-2012 period, expecting to generate $9.55 billion from rough diamond sales.The plan will be presented for approval to Alrosa’s annual general meeting in late June.\r\n\r\nThe 34 million carats at $3.18 billion average annual production is a proposed increase in production. In 2009, Alrosa’s sales dropped 13.7 percent to $2.19 billion, producing about 32.8 million carats.\r\n\r\nIn 2008, revenues from rough diamond sales totaled $2.93 billion. In the first quarter of 2010, Alrosa mined 8.6 million carats that sold for nearly $930 billion.\r\n\r\nThe June 26 AGM, to be held in Mirny, Sakha, will be asked to approve the company’s annual report, financial statements, profit distribution and dividend payments of RUB 916.3 ($29.8) per share\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34093\" target=\"_blank\">Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years</a>','Alrosa Plans to Increase Diamond Production in Next 3 Years','','inherit','open','open','','785-autosave','','','2010-06-07 06:56:15','2010-06-07 06:56:15','',785,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/785-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(908,1,'2010-06-07 09:07:43','2010-06-07 09:07:43','[caption id=\"attachment_186\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"160\" caption=\"Bhavani Mikro\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DIAMOND-3.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-186\" title=\"Smallest-diamond-of-Bhavani_BIGGSTOCK\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DIAMOND-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"160\" height=\"158\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Bhavani Gems</strong> recently created a record of manufacturing the <strong>world’s smallest certified cut and polished diamond </strong>with 57 facets weighing just 0.0003 carat or 0.00006 grams (3,333.33 per carat). The company has named the diamond as <strong>Bhavani Mikro</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe stone is the smallest diamond certified by IGI (International Gemological Institute.) Shri Manjibhai Dholakia, Founder and Chairman of Bhavani Gems adds, “Taking my ethos of innovation as the driving force, I gave my workers the challenge of creating the smallest certified hand cut and polished diamond. Being pioneers in bringing-in new technologies, we felt it was important to test ourselves. Considering our prowess in manufacturing and craftsmanship I am proud of my highly qualified and perfectionist team’s achievement.”\r\n\r\nThe company has earned a reputation of being innovators in the sphere of diamond processing. Its R&amp;D department is constantly pushing limits to add value to the rough through manufacturing expertise.\r\n\r\nShri Raj Dholakia, a partner in Bhavani Gems states, “Surat is the hub of diamond processing industry in the world and now we have added a star to the already star-studded image. This one-of-its-kind diamond, which actually looks like a grain of sand to the naked having 57 facets, this is a unique piece of art and all the industry experts have been appreciating this accomplishment. <strong>This record is also acknowledged by “Limca Book of Records”.</strong>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4881\" target=\"_blank\">Bhavani Mikro worlds smallest diamond</a>','Bhavani Gems manufactures world’s smallest diamond','','inherit','open','open','','434-autosave','','','2010-06-07 09:07:43','2010-06-07 09:07:43','',434,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/434-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(909,1,'2010-05-25 06:02:37','2010-05-25 06:02:37','[caption id=\"attachment_186\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"160\" caption=\"Bhavani Mikro\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DIAMOND-3.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-186\" title=\"Smallest-diamond-of-Bhavani_BIGGSTOCK\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DIAMOND-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"160\" height=\"158\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Bhavani Gems</strong> recently created a record of manufacturing the <strong>world’s smallest certified cut and polished diamond </strong>with 57 facets weighing just 0.0003 carat or 0.00006 grams (3,333.33 per carat). The company has named the diamond as <strong>Bhavani Mikro</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe stone is the smallest diamond certified by IGI (International Gemological Institute.) Shri Manjibhai Dholakia, Founder and Chairman of Bhavani Gems adds, “Taking my ethos of innovation as the driving force, I gave my workers the challenge of creating the smallest certified hand cut and polished diamond. Being pioneers in bringing-in new technologies, we felt it was important to test ourselves. Considering our prowess in manufacturing and craftsmanship I am proud of my highly qualified and perfectionist team’s achievement.”\r\n\r\nThe company has earned a reputation of being innovators in the sphere of diamond processing. Its R&amp;D department is constantly pushing limits to add value to the rough through manufacturing expertise.\r\n\r\nShri Raj Dholakia, a partner in Bhavani Gems states, “Surat is the hub of diamond processing industry in the world and now we have added a star to the already star-studded image. This one-of-its-kind diamond, which actually looks like a grain of sand to the naked having 57 facets, this is a unique piece of art and all the industry experts have been appreciating this accomplishment. <strong>This record is also acknowledged by “Limca Book of Records”.</strong>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4881\" target=\"_blank\">Bhavani Mikro worlds smallest diamond</a>','Bhavani Gems manufactures world’s smallest diamond','','inherit','open','open','','434-revision-16','','','2010-05-25 06:02:37','2010-05-25 06:02:37','',434,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/434-revision-16',0,'revision','',0),(910,1,'2010-06-07 07:16:37','2010-06-07 07:16:37','[caption id=\"attachment_186\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"160\" caption=\"Bhavani Mikro\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DIAMOND-3.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-186\" title=\"Smallest-diamond-of-Bhavani_BIGGSTOCK\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DIAMOND-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"160\" height=\"158\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Bhavani Gems</strong> recently created a record of manufacturing the <strong>world’s smallest certified cut and polished diamond </strong>with 57 facets weighing just 0.0003 carat or 0.00006 grams (3,333.33 per carat). The company has named the diamond as <strong>Bhavani Mikro</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe stone is the smallest diamond certified by IGI (International Gemological Institute.) Shri Manjibhai Dholakia, Founder and Chairman of Bhavani Gems adds, “Taking my ethos of innovation as the driving force, I gave my workers the challenge of creating the smallest certified hand cut and polished diamond. Being pioneers in bringing-in new technologies, we felt it was important to test ourselves. Considering our prowess in manufacturing and craftsmanship I am proud of my highly qualified and perfectionist team’s achievement.”\r\n\r\nThe company has earned a reputation of being innovators in the sphere of diamond processing. Its R&amp;D department is constantly pushing limits to add value to the rough through manufacturing expertise.\r\n\r\nShri Raj Dholakia, a partner in Bhavani Gems states, “Surat is the hub of diamond processing industry in the world and now we have added a star to the already star-studded image. This one-of-its-kind diamond, which actually looks like a grain of sand to the naked having 57 facets, this is a unique piece of art and all the industry experts have been appreciating this accomplishment. <strong>This record is also acknowledged by “Limca Book of Records”.</strong>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4881\" target=\"_blank\">Bhavani Mikro worlds smallest diamond</a>','Bhavani Gems manufactures world’s smallest diamond','','inherit','open','open','','434-revision-17','','','2010-06-07 07:16:37','2010-06-07 07:16:37','',434,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/434-revision-17',0,'revision','',0),(911,1,'2010-06-07 07:24:14','2010-06-07 07:24:14','[gallery]\r\n\r\nIndustry rejoices on exemption of duty on gemstones from 5 percent\r\n\r\nThe Indian gem industry recently celebrated the exemption of import duty on coloured gemstones and is certain about maintaining its competitiveness in world jewellery sector. The country currently imports rough coloured gemstones from Bangkok, Thailand and other countries. Shri P. Chidambaram; Honorable Finance Minister tabled the Finance Bill (2007-2008) on 3rd May 2008, exempting custom duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds. In the recently announced Union Budget (2007-2008), custom duty on cut and polished diamonds was reduced to 3 percent from 5 percent. The Council had made several representations to Government on the exemption of custom duty on cut and polished diamonds.\r\n\r\n\"I had reduced the customs duty on cut &amp; polished diamonds from 5 percent to 3 percent. The Gems and Jewellery Industry had represented that the duty should be at zero percent in line with other countries. Ministry of Commerce has supported this proposal. However, if we find that the decision adversely affects the import of uncut diamonds or adversely affects employment in the cutting and polishing industry, we shall immediately review the decision. It is our intention to preserve, nurture and expand the cutting and polishing industry in India,” said Chidambaram.\r\n\r\nZero import duty will help in easy availability of coloured gemstones of various sizes and qualities in India, which would infuse growth and diversification of studded jewellery exports. The exports are predicted to rise with the exemption of duty on colour stones. The exports from Jaipur were around Rs.22000 crore and are expected to reach over Rs. 25000 crore till the end of the year. Nirmal Bardiya of RMC Gems said, “This is a very good move and will make outside stones available in India easily. It will provide variety for domestic as well as international markets. The prices will be competitive and will make it affordable to import these stones from abroad.” Bardiya is happy with the government’s initiative and efforts to promote the industry. Manufacturers will be able to source stones on their trip abroad, and provide clients with what they require on time, at affordable prices and earn profits.\r\n\r\nIndia is currently facing labor layoff and shortage of jobs, due to completion from China and Bangkok. Vivek Kala of Kalajee Jewellery suggests that to stay in competition with these markets and to stay ahead in trade, India needs to change the way it works and work united towards achievement of the aims. Vivek Kala explains, “We think the government has delayed making this move for a long time of exempting taxes on imports. There are other problems that also need to be addressed like the provision of loans at special interest rates so that we can stay in competition and do good business in world markets. Another problem is infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Special attention should be given to tourism since it will help boost trade in cities like Jaipur where most coloured stone trade is carried on.”\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=2584\" target=\"_blank\" >Gemstones freed of import duties </a>','Gemstones freed of import duties ','','inherit','open','open','','748-autosave','','','2010-06-07 07:24:14','2010-06-07 07:24:14','',748,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/748-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(912,1,'2010-06-07 08:52:43','2010-06-07 08:52:43','[caption id=\"attachment_284\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Gemfields has launched a new website &amp; rebranded\"]<a href=\"www.gemfields.co.uk\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-284\" title=\"gemfields-launches-website_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gemfields-launches-website.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nGemfields has launched a new website and rebranded Its trade and consumer materials, in sync with its  repositioning strategy. The company has highlighted its new positioning as being ‘a focused Premium Coloured Gemstone company, one of world’s leading gemstone producers, and the leading supplier of ethically-produced Zambian emeralds that can be traced directly from mine to market.’\r\n\r\nThe new website is accessible on the link <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http://www.gemfields.co.uk/\" target=\"_blank\">www.gemfields.co.uk</a></span></span>\r\n\r\n“Our vision is one of complete transparency to both the trade and the consumer,” explains Ian Harebottle, Gemfields CEO, “and that is why we chose to create a comprehensive website designed to meet the needs of both groups and one which clearly reflects our ethos.”\r\n\r\nThe new site is designed in black and white, featuring dramatic images of Zambian topography and Gemfields employees. Explaining the creative outlook, Harebottle added that “Our workers and the surrounding community are as important to our business as bottom line and the promotion of our product. That’s why we have chose to emphasis our people and the process and not just the beauty of our finished product.”The website informs the viewer about Zambian emeralds, news releases, financial updates and reports on global tenders, along with information on Gemfields’ unique environmental and social programmes, and certification processes.\r\n\r\nThe company has also redesigned trade and consumer brochures, corporate and consumer DVDs and a comprehensive emerald training programme available to its distribution partners and sales associates; an effort in the line of its repositioning strategy. Each piece will reflect Gemfields’focused, clean and modern personality and will pictorially blend with landscape and portrait photography elucidating the company’s people and environment. “Through this repositioning and rebranding exercise, we are confident that we will be able to re-introduce the world to Gemfields and the magnificence of its products –from mining through production and promotion,”Harebottle says. “From cutting-edge technologies to a renewed consideration for best practices and ecological concerns, our vision for the future of emeralds is inextricably linked and a to a savvy consumer more responsible industry.”\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4941\" target=\"_blank\">Gemfields launches website in sync</a>','Gemfields Launches Website','','inherit','open','open','','170-autosave','','','2010-06-07 08:52:43','2010-06-07 08:52:43','',170,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/170-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(913,1,'2010-06-07 08:08:04','2010-06-07 08:08:04','[caption id=\"attachment_914\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"From left: America&#39;s Best Jewelers panelists Patrick Slavenburg, Rex Solomon, moderator Whitney Sielaff, Daniel Gordon and Brian Reid Alter.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-914\" title=\"america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLas Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.\r\n\r\nNational Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.\r\n\r\nHere are some of their top tips:\r\n\r\n* Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.\r\n\r\n* Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.\r\n\r\n* Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?\r\n\r\n* Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3ib36f6aee9fd639726c7250cce0ab4bda\" target=\"_blank\" >America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips</a>\r\n','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','publish','open','open','','americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips','','','2010-06-08 06:17:04','2010-06-08 06:17:04','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=913',0,'post','',0),(914,1,'2010-06-07 08:01:21','2010-06-07 08:01:21','','america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock','','inherit','open','open','','americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock','','','2010-06-07 08:01:21','2010-06-07 08:01:21','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(915,1,'2010-06-07 07:59:14','2010-06-07 07:59:14','Las Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.\n\nNational Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.\n\nHere are some of their top tips:\n\n    * Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.\n\n    * Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.\n\n    * Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?\n\n    * Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','inherit','open','open','','913-revision','','','2010-06-07 07:59:14','2010-06-07 07:59:14','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/913-revision',0,'revision','',0),(916,1,'2010-06-07 08:03:58','2010-06-07 08:03:58','[caption id=\"attachment_914\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"From left: America&#39;s Best Jewelers panelists Patrick Slavenburg, Rex Solomon, moderator Whitney Sielaff, Daniel Gordon and Brian Reid Alter.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-914\" title=\"america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nLas Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.\n\nNational Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.\n\nHere are some of their top tips:\n\n* Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.\n\n* Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.\n\n* Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?\n\n* Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','inherit','open','open','','913-revision-2','','','2010-06-07 08:03:58','2010-06-07 08:03:58','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/913-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(917,1,'2010-06-07 08:07:12','2010-06-07 08:07:12','[caption id=\"attachment_914\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"From left: America&#39;s Best Jewelers panelists Patrick Slavenburg, Rex Solomon, moderator Whitney Sielaff, Daniel Gordon and Brian Reid Alter.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-914\" title=\"america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLas Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.\r\n\r\nNational Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.\r\n\r\nHere are some of their top tips:\r\n\r\n* Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.\r\n\r\n* Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.\r\n\r\n* Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?\r\n\r\n* Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','inherit','open','open','','913-revision-3','','','2010-06-07 08:07:12','2010-06-07 08:07:12','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/913-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(919,1,'2010-06-07 08:07:39','2010-06-07 08:07:39','[caption id=\"attachment_914\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"From left: America&#39;s Best Jewelers panelists Patrick Slavenburg, Rex Solomon, moderator Whitney Sielaff, Daniel Gordon and Brian Reid Alter.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-914\" title=\"america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLas Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.\r\n\r\nNational Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.\r\n\r\nHere are some of their top tips:\r\n\r\n* Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.\r\n\r\n* Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.\r\n\r\n* Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?\r\n\r\n* Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','inherit','open','open','','913-revision-5','','','2010-06-07 08:07:39','2010-06-07 08:07:39','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/913-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(918,1,'2010-06-07 08:07:19','2010-06-07 08:07:19','<p>[caption id=\"attachment_914\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"From left: America&#39;s Best Jewelers panelists Patrick Slavenburg, Rex Solomon, moderator Whitney Sielaff, Daniel Gordon and Brian Reid Alter.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-914\" title=\"america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p>Las Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.</p>\r\n<p>National Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.</p>\r\n<p>Here are some of their top tips:</p>\r\n<p>* Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.</p>\r\n<p>* Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.</p>\r\n<p>* Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?</p>\r\n<p>* Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.</p>\r\n','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','inherit','open','open','','913-revision-4','','','2010-06-07 08:07:19','2010-06-07 08:07:19','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/913-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(920,1,'2010-06-07 08:07:41','2010-06-07 08:07:41','[caption id=\"attachment_914\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"From left: America&#39;s Best Jewelers panelists Patrick Slavenburg, Rex Solomon, moderator Whitney Sielaff, Daniel Gordon and Brian Reid Alter.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-914\" title=\"america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLas Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.\r\n\r\nNational Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.\r\n\r\nHere are some of their top tips:\r\n\r\n* Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.\r\n\r\n* Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.\r\n\r\n* Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?\r\n\r\n* Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','inherit','open','open','','913-revision-6','','','2010-06-07 08:07:41','2010-06-07 08:07:41','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/913-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(921,1,'2010-06-07 08:07:59','2010-06-07 08:07:59','[caption id=\"attachment_914\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"From left: America&#39;s Best Jewelers panelists Patrick Slavenburg, Rex Solomon, moderator Whitney Sielaff, Daniel Gordon and Brian Reid Alter.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-914\" title=\"america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLas Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.\r\n\r\nNational Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.\r\n\r\nHere are some of their top tips:\r\n\r\n* Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.\r\n\r\n* Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.\r\n\r\n* Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?\r\n\r\n* Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','inherit','open','open','','913-revision-7','','','2010-06-07 08:07:59','2010-06-07 08:07:59','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/913-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(922,1,'2010-06-08 06:23:42','2010-06-08 06:23:42','[caption id=\"attachment_914\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"From left: America&#39;s Best Jewelers panelists Patrick Slavenburg, Rex Solomon, moderator Whitney Sielaff, Daniel Gordon and Brian Reid Alter.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-914\" title=\"america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLas Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.\r\n\r\nNational Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.\r\n\r\nHere are some of their top tips:\r\n\r\n* Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.\r\n\r\n* Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.\r\n\r\n* Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?\r\n\r\n* Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3ib36f6aee9fd639726c7250cce0ab4bda\" target=\"_blank\" >America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips</a>\r\n','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','inherit','open','open','','913-autosave','','','2010-06-08 06:23:42','2010-06-08 06:23:42','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/913-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1038,1,'2010-06-15 06:18:25','2010-06-15 06:18:25','[caption id=\"attachment_1040\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Backed by jewelry manufacturer Brilliant Stars and the non-profit Fair Fund, the new Jewelgirls program is helping to prevent human trafficking and empower youth, such as these girls enrolled in the Jewelgirls Washington, D.C., program. As a worldwide traveler, Brilliant Stars\\\' Rodney Rahmani (center), president and chief designer, was inspired to involve his company in the cause.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/jewelgirls-debut-to-fight-human-trafficking_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/jewelgirls-debut-to-fight-human-trafficking_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"jewelgirls-debut-to-fight-human-trafficking_biggstock\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1040\" /></a>[/caption]Las Vegas--Jewelry manufacturing company Brilliant Stars and the non-profit organization Fair Fund have partnered to debut a new jewelry program that is helping to fight human trafficking.\r\n\r\nThrough the Jewelgirls program, survivors of human trafficking are given the opportunity to participate in therapeutic jewelry-making and also sell their creations, using revenues to support themselves and the cause. The program\'s intent is to give survivors the chance to build new life skills, financial management skills and a pathway towards a future free of poverty and violence, Brilliant Stars said in a media release.\r\n\r\nA third-generation jewelry design house based in New York, Brilliant Stars is providing financial contributions and donating precious gemstones to the program, which is run by Fair Fund. The nonprofit group, based in Washington, D.C., works to prevent the human trafficking of youth worldwide by building community leaderships and providing education and empowerment programs.\r\n\r\nJewelgirls now counts workshops in Bosnia, Serbia, Russia, Uganda and Washington,D.C., where young survivors are mentored and taught to create jewelry. The program is also set for expansion to several other countries.\r\n\r\n\"As an executive who travels the world, I feel there is nothing more disturbing than to see and hear about children who have been victimized,\" Rodney Rahmani, president and chief designer of Brilliant Stars, said in the release. \"As a parent of young children, I just couldn\'t stand by and ignore this global tragedy any longer. With Jewelgirls, the jewelry industry and consumers, as a whole, can directly help innocent children to put their lives back together and be less susceptible to trafficking altogether.\"\r\n\r\nDesigns from the program made their debut to the industry during JCK Las Vegas. Brilliant Stars and Fair Fund have said they will continue to assist young survivors in selling their creations as a means of producing income for the girls and also bringing attention to the human trafficking cause\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3i3e9fe8a77ad6bd905674ba115187937e\" target=\"_blank\" > \'Jewelgirls\' debuts to fight human trafficking</a>',' \'Jewelgirls\' debuts to fight human trafficking','','publish','open','open','','jewelgirls-debuts-to-fight-human-trafficking','','','2010-06-15 06:18:25','2010-06-15 06:18:25','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1038',0,'post','',0),(924,1,'2010-06-07 08:08:04','2010-06-07 08:08:04','[caption id=\"attachment_914\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"From left: America&#39;s Best Jewelers panelists Patrick Slavenburg, Rex Solomon, moderator Whitney Sielaff, Daniel Gordon and Brian Reid Alter.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-914\" title=\"america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLas Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.\r\n\r\nNational Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.\r\n\r\nHere are some of their top tips:\r\n\r\n* Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.\r\n\r\n* Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.\r\n\r\n* Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?\r\n\r\n* Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','inherit','open','open','','913-revision-8','','','2010-06-07 08:08:04','2010-06-07 08:08:04','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/913-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(925,1,'2010-06-10 05:46:34','2010-06-10 05:46:34','Omaha, Neb.--Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts has promoted Sean Moore to the position of director of jewelry, the retailer announced Wednesday.\r\n\r\nMoore has logged 19 years with Borsheims, working in sales, buying and as director of diamond buying, according to a news release announcing the promotion. He is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and a board member of professional organizations including Luxury, Centurion and Gen-Next.\r\n\r\n\"Sean\'s expertise and experience with Borsheims over the past two decades and his involvement in the jewelry and diamond industry will serve Borsheims well,\" Borsheims Chief Executive Officer Susan Jacques said in the release.\r\n\r\nLocated in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims is one of a number of jewelry businesses owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. It is one of the nation\'s largest independent jewelry stores with an international client list spanning 50 states and six continents, with its prominence boosted by the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, which is held at Omaha headquarters, and brings many employees to the store\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3i0179550940df36d1fd06576aaaa82d14\" target=\"_blank\">Borsheims names new director of jewelry</a>','Borsheims names new director of jewelry','','publish','open','open','','borsheims-names-new-director-of-jewelry','','','2010-06-10 05:46:34','2010-06-10 05:46:34','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=925',0,'post','',0),(926,1,'2010-06-07 09:25:55','2010-06-07 09:25:55','Omaha, Neb.--Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts has promoted Sean Moore to the position of director of jewelry, the retailer announced Wednesday.\n\nMoore has logged 19 years with Borsheims, working in sales, buying and as director of diamond buying, according to a news release announcing the promotion. He is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and a board member of professional organizations including Luxury, Centurion and Gen-Next.\n\n\"Sean\'s expertise and experience with Borsheims over the past two decades and his involvement in the jewelry and diamond industry will serve Borsheims well,\" Borsheims Chief Executive Officer Susan Jacques said in the release.\n\nLocated in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims is one of a number of jewelry businesses owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. It is one of the nation\'s largest independent jewelry stores with an international client list spanning 50 states and six continents, with its prominence boosted by the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, which is held at Omaha headquarters, and brings many employees to the store\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3i0179550940df36d1fd06576aaaa82d14\" target=\"_blank\" >Borsheims names new director of jewelry</a>','Borsheims names new director of jewelry','','inherit','open','open','','925-revision','','','2010-06-07 09:25:55','2010-06-07 09:25:55','',925,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/925-revision',0,'revision','',0),(927,1,'2010-06-07 09:27:15','2010-06-07 09:27:15','Omaha, Neb.--Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts has promoted Sean Moore to the position of director of jewelry, the retailer announced Wednesday.\r\n\r\nMoore has logged 19 years with Borsheims, working in sales, buying and as director of diamond buying, according to a news release announcing the promotion. He is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and a board member of professional organizations including Luxury, Centurion and Gen-Next.\r\n\r\n\"Sean\'s expertise and experience with Borsheims over the past two decades and his involvement in the jewelry and diamond industry will serve Borsheims well,\" Borsheims Chief Executive Officer Susan Jacques said in the release.\r\n\r\nLocated in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims is one of a number of jewelry businesses owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. It is one of the nation\'s largest independent jewelry stores with an international client list spanning 50 states and six continents, with its prominence boosted by the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, which is held at Omaha headquarters, and brings many employees to the store\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3i0179550940df36d1fd06576aaaa82d14\" target=\"_blank\" >Borsheims names new director of jewelry</a>','Borsheims names new director of jewelry','','inherit','open','open','','925-revision-2','','','2010-06-07 09:27:15','2010-06-07 09:27:15','',925,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/925-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(928,1,'2010-06-07 09:29:19','2010-06-07 09:29:19','Omaha, Neb.--Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts has promoted Sean Moore to the position of director of jewelry, the retailer announced Wednesday.\r\n\r\nMoore has logged 19 years with Borsheims, working in sales, buying and as director of diamond buying, according to a news release announcing the promotion. He is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and a board member of professional organizations including Luxury, Centurion and Gen-Next.\r\n\r\n\"Sean\'s expertise and experience with Borsheims over the past two decades and his involvement in the jewelry and diamond industry will serve Borsheims well,\" Borsheims Chief Executive Officer Susan Jacques said in the release.\r\n\r\nLocated in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims is one of a number of jewelry businesses owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. It is one of the nation\'s largest independent jewelry stores with an international client list spanning 50 states and six continents, with its prominence boosted by the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, which is held at Omaha headquarters, and brings many employees to the store\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3i0179550940df36d1fd06576aaaa82d14\" target=\"_blank\" >Borsheims names new director of jewelry</a>','Borsheims names new director of jewelry','','inherit','open','open','','925-revision-3','','','2010-06-07 09:29:19','2010-06-07 09:29:19','',925,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/925-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(929,1,'2010-06-07 09:29:24','2010-06-07 09:29:24','Omaha, Neb.--Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts has promoted Sean Moore to the position of director of jewelry, the retailer announced Wednesday.\r\n\r\nMoore has logged 19 years with Borsheims, working in sales, buying and as director of diamond buying, according to a news release announcing the promotion. He is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and a board member of professional organizations including Luxury, Centurion and Gen-Next.\r\n\r\n\"Sean\'s expertise and experience with Borsheims over the past two decades and his involvement in the jewelry and diamond industry will serve Borsheims well,\" Borsheims Chief Executive Officer Susan Jacques said in the release.\r\n\r\nLocated in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims is one of a number of jewelry businesses owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. It is one of the nation\'s largest independent jewelry stores with an international client list spanning 50 states and six continents, with its prominence boosted by the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, which is held at Omaha headquarters, and brings many employees to the store\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3i0179550940df36d1fd06576aaaa82d14\" target=\"_blank\" >Borsheims names new director of jewelry</a>','Borsheims names new director of jewelry','','inherit','open','open','','925-revision-4','','','2010-06-07 09:29:24','2010-06-07 09:29:24','',925,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/925-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(930,1,'2010-06-07 09:33:54','2010-06-07 09:33:54','Omaha, Neb.--Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts has promoted Sean Moore to the position of director of jewelry, the retailer announced Wednesday.\r\n\r\nMoore has logged 19 years with Borsheims, working in sales, buying and as director of diamond buying, according to a news release announcing the promotion. He is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and a board member of professional organizations including Luxury, Centurion and Gen-Next.\r\n\r\n\"Sean\'s expertise and experience with Borsheims over the past two decades and his involvement in the jewelry and diamond industry will serve Borsheims well,\" Borsheims Chief Executive Officer Susan Jacques said in the release.\r\n\r\nLocated in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims is one of a number of jewelry businesses owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. It is one of the nation\'s largest independent jewelry stores with an international client list spanning 50 states and six continents, with its prominence boosted by the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, which is held at Omaha headquarters, and brings many employees to the store\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3i0179550940df36d1fd06576aaaa82d14\" target=\"_blank\" >Borsheims names new director of jewelry</a>','Borsheims names new director of jewelry','','inherit','open','open','','925-revision-5','','','2010-06-07 09:33:54','2010-06-07 09:33:54','',925,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/925-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(931,1,'2010-06-07 09:34:01','2010-06-07 09:34:01','Omaha, Neb.--Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts has promoted Sean Moore to the position of director of jewelry, the retailer announced Wednesday.\r\n\r\nMoore has logged 19 years with Borsheims, working in sales, buying and as director of diamond buying, according to a news release announcing the promotion. He is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and a board member of professional organizations including Luxury, Centurion and Gen-Next.\r\n\r\n\"Sean\'s expertise and experience with Borsheims over the past two decades and his involvement in the jewelry and diamond industry will serve Borsheims well,\" Borsheims Chief Executive Officer Susan Jacques said in the release.\r\n\r\nLocated in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims is one of a number of jewelry businesses owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. It is one of the nation\'s largest independent jewelry stores with an international client list spanning 50 states and six continents, with its prominence boosted by the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, which is held at Omaha headquarters, and brings many employees to the store\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3i0179550940df36d1fd06576aaaa82d14\" target=\"_blank\" >Borsheims names new director of jewelry</a>','Borsheims names new director of jewelry','','inherit','open','open','','925-revision-6','','','2010-06-07 09:34:01','2010-06-07 09:34:01','',925,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/925-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(932,1,'2010-06-07 09:35:46','2010-06-07 09:35:46','Omaha, Neb.--Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts has promoted Sean Moore to the position of director of jewelry, the retailer announced Wednesday.\r\n\r\nMoore has logged 19 years with Borsheims, working in sales, buying and as director of diamond buying, according to a news release announcing the promotion. He is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and a board member of professional organizations including Luxury, Centurion and Gen-Next.\r\n\r\n\"Sean\'s expertise and experience with Borsheims over the past two decades and his involvement in the jewelry and diamond industry will serve Borsheims well,\" Borsheims Chief Executive Officer Susan Jacques said in the release.\r\n\r\nLocated in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims is one of a number of jewelry businesses owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. It is one of the nation\'s largest independent jewelry stores with an international client list spanning 50 states and six continents, with its prominence boosted by the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, which is held at Omaha headquarters, and brings many employees to the store\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3i0179550940df36d1fd06576aaaa82d14\" target=\"_blank\" >Borsheims names new director of jewelry</a>','Borsheims names new director of jewelry','','inherit','open','open','','925-revision-7','','','2010-06-07 09:35:46','2010-06-07 09:35:46','',925,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/925-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(933,1,'2010-06-07 09:35:47','2010-06-07 09:35:47','Omaha, Neb.--Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts has promoted Sean Moore to the position of director of jewelry, the retailer announced Wednesday.\r\n\r\nMoore has logged 19 years with Borsheims, working in sales, buying and as director of diamond buying, according to a news release announcing the promotion. He is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and a board member of professional organizations including Luxury, Centurion and Gen-Next.\r\n\r\n\"Sean\'s expertise and experience with Borsheims over the past two decades and his involvement in the jewelry and diamond industry will serve Borsheims well,\" Borsheims Chief Executive Officer Susan Jacques said in the release.\r\n\r\nLocated in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims is one of a number of jewelry businesses owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. It is one of the nation\'s largest independent jewelry stores with an international client list spanning 50 states and six continents, with its prominence boosted by the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, which is held at Omaha headquarters, and brings many employees to the store\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3i0179550940df36d1fd06576aaaa82d14\" target=\"_blank\" >Borsheims names new director of jewelry</a>','Borsheims names new director of jewelry','','inherit','open','open','','925-revision-8','','','2010-06-07 09:35:47','2010-06-07 09:35:47','',925,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/925-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(934,1,'2010-06-07 09:17:13','2010-06-07 09:17:13','[caption id=\"attachment_914\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"From left: America&#39;s Best Jewelers panelists Patrick Slavenburg, Rex Solomon, moderator Whitney Sielaff, Daniel Gordon and Brian Reid Alter.\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-914\" title=\"america\'s-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/americas-best-jewelers-share-social-media-tips_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLas Vegas--Kicking off the America\'s Best Jewelers program at Couture on Thursday morning, jewelers and online media specialists from Texas to the Netherlands shared their best practices for social networking.\r\n\r\nNational Jeweler Editorial Director Whitney Sielaff moderated the discussion, which featured panelists Patrick Slavenburg, co-founder of Farlang.com, based in San Francisco and the Netherlands; Rex Solomon, chief executive officer of Houston Jewelry in Houston; Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordons Jewelers in Oklahoma City; and Brian Reid Alter, managing owner of Alter\'s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas.\r\n\r\nHere are some of their top tips:\r\n\r\n* Think relationships. Twitter and Facebook are for relationship-building. Stay away from hard selling, which can turn contacts and customers off.\r\n\r\n* Stick with it. \"Tweeting\" or posting Facebook status updates might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. \"In the beginning, it\'s boring and mundane, but it\'s a building process,\" said Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City.\r\n\r\n* Get personal. Your store has a presence on Facebook or Twitter, but do you have a page of your own? Jewelry is a personal business, so why not let potential customers get to know you?\r\n\r\n* Remember the customer. Customer service rules apply, even if you\'re interacting in cyberspace. Be prepared to answer any online questions or comments with the same attention to detail that you would in-store. And answer them quickly.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/market-developments/e3ib36f6aee9fd639726c7250cce0ab4bda\" target=\"_blank\" >America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips</a>\r\n','America\'s Best Jewelers share social media tips','','inherit','open','open','','913-revision-9','','','2010-06-07 09:17:13','2010-06-07 09:17:13','',913,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/913-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(935,1,'2010-06-08 06:37:15','2010-06-08 06:37:15','June 6, \'10, 13:02 Edahn Golan, Las Vegas\r\n\r\nThe Las Vegas shows lived up to people’s pre-show expectations: good trading. Nothing more, or less. Jewelry buyers were focused on lower price point items, while diamond buyers sought a wide variety of goods, yet focusing on keeping prices within range.\r\n\r\nAt the high-end Couture show, exhibitors showcased a wide range of designs. The surprising element was the addition of low -end lines that most of the designers brought to accommodate the interest in lower price points, and so, many had items that retail at $300 and up, some had $150 items.\r\n\r\nFrom a design perspective, an emerging trend is intricate, lace like design elements. This is a step away from the simpler design styles that the American market usually favors. Designers created large pendants and wide bracelets with this design element.\r\n\r\nTwo other trends seen at Couture were very delicate, thin, light and airy items and, conversely, large layered items, mostly necklaces. The first was often made with yellow gold and set sparsely with diamonds or semi-precious stones. The components of the large items were a mix of materials in different sizes and colors.\r\n\r\nAt the JCK show, exhibitors did not offer any defined trend, but the desire to bring down price point was clear. Naturally, as the show progressed, it became clear that buyers were focusing on lower cost items.\r\n\r\nAmong the diamond traders things were different. Israeli traders provided a mixture of impressions, preferring to remain vague about their business. Indian traders were buying 1+ carat goods in the lower H-K color range, VVS+ quality, not insisting on good makes. Some said the purchases were speculative, while others said they are buying them to supply the Indian retail market.\r\n\r\nFancy color, mostly larger 2+ carat items sold well according to almost all those that sold them.\r\n\r\nFinally, a word about the American consumer. The U.S. economy is slowly improving. In the summer of 2008, a few months before the crash, walking down Las Vegas Blvd. it was clear that there are less American vacationers walking around. In retrospect, it was an early sign that spending is down and that something was not working right in the U.S. market.\r\n\r\nThis week, the crowds were clearly back. Anecdotal conversations with taxi drivers, shop owners and others, pointed to a rise in spending and greater confidence among these American vacationers. The spending levels are not yet back to their previous highs, but are none the less recuperating. If this is an indication, the Holiday Season may have a positive surprise for us all.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34126\" target=\"_blank\" >Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer</a>','Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer','','publish','open','open','','las-vegas-decent-trading-the-return-of-the-american-consumer','','','2010-06-08 06:37:15','2010-06-08 06:37:15','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=935',0,'post','',0),(936,1,'2010-06-08 06:28:00','2010-06-08 06:28:00','June 6, \'10, 13:02 Edahn Golan, Las Vegas)\n\nThe Las Vegas shows lived up to people’s pre-show expectations: good trading. Nothing more, or less. Jewelry buyers were focused on lower price point items, while diamond buyers sought a wide variety of goods, yet focusing on keeping prices within range.\n\n \n\nAt the high-end Couture show, exhibitors showcased a wide range of designs. The surprising element was the addition of low -end lines that most of the designers brought to accommodate the interest in lower price points, and so, many had items that retail at $300 and up, some had $150 items.\n\n \n\nFrom a design perspective, an emerging trend is intricate, lace like design elements. This is a step away from the simpler design styles that the American market usually favors. Designers created large pendants and wide bracelets with this design element.\n\n \n\nTwo other trends seen at Couture were very delicate, thin, light and airy items and, conversely, large layered items, mostly necklaces. The first was often made with yellow gold and set sparsely with diamonds or semi-precious stones. The components of the large items were a mix of materials in different sizes and colors.\n\nAt the JCK show, exhibitors did not offer any defined trend, but the desire to bring down price point was clear. Naturally, as the show progressed, it became clear that buyers were focusing on lower cost items.\n\nAmong the diamond traders things were different. Israeli traders provided a mixture of impressions, preferring to remain vague about their business. Indian traders were buying 1+ carat goods in the lower H-K color range, VVS+ quality, not insisting on good makes. Some said the purchases were speculative, while others said they are buying them to supply the Indian retail market.\n\n \n\nFancy color, mostly larger 2+ carat items sold well according to almost all those that sold them.\n\nFinally, a word about the American consumer. The U.S. economy is slowly improving. In the summer of 2008, a few months before the crash, walking down Las Vegas Blvd. it was clear that there are less American vacationers walking around. In retrospect, it was an early sign that spending is down and that something was not working right in the U.S. market.\n\nThis week, the crowds were clearly back. Anecdotal conversations with taxi drivers, shop owners and others, pointed to a rise in spending and greater confidence among these American vacationers. The spending levels are not yet back to their previous highs, but are none the less recuperating. If this is an indication, the Holiday Season may have a positive surprise for us all.','Las Vegas: Decent Trading and The Return of the American Consumer','','inherit','open','open','','935-revision','','','2010-06-08 06:28:00','2010-06-08 06:28:00','',935,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/935-revision',0,'revision','',0),(937,1,'2010-06-08 06:29:29','2010-06-08 06:29:29','June 6, \'10, 13:02 Edahn Golan, Las Vegas\n\nThe Las Vegas shows lived up to people’s pre-show expectations: good trading. Nothing more, or less. Jewelry buyers were focused on lower price point items, while diamond buyers sought a wide variety of goods, yet focusing on keeping prices within range.\n\nAt the high-end Couture show, exhibitors showcased a wide range of designs. The surprising element was the addition of low -end lines that most of the designers brought to accommodate the interest in lower price points, and so, many had items that retail at $300 and up, some had $150 items.\n\nFrom a design perspective, an emerging trend is intricate, lace like design elements. This is a step away from the simpler design styles that the American market usually favors. Designers created large pendants and wide bracelets with this design element.\n\nTwo other trends seen at Couture were very delicate, thin, light and airy items and, conversely, large layered items, mostly necklaces. The first was often made with yellow gold and set sparsely with diamonds or semi-precious stones. The components of the large items were a mix of materials in different sizes and colors.\n\nAt the JCK show, exhibitors did not offer any defined trend, but the desire to bring down price point was clear. Naturally, as the show progressed, it became clear that buyers were focusing on lower cost items.\n\nAmong the diamond traders things were different. Israeli traders provided a mixture of impressions, preferring to remain vague about their business. Indian traders were buying 1+ carat goods in the lower H-K color range, VVS+ quality, not insisting on good makes. Some said the purchases were speculative, while others said they are buying them to supply the Indian retail market.\n\nFancy color, mostly larger 2+ carat items sold well according to almost all those that sold them.\n\nFinally, a word about the American consumer. The U.S. economy is slowly improving. In the summer of 2008, a few months before the crash, walking down Las Vegas Blvd. it was clear that there are less American vacationers walking around. In retrospect, it was an early sign that spending is down and that something was not working right in the U.S. market.\n\nThis week, the crowds were clearly back. Anecdotal conversations with taxi drivers, shop owners and others, pointed to a rise in spending and greater confidence among these American vacationers. The spending levels are not yet back to their previous highs, but are none the less recuperating. If this is an indication, the Holiday Season may have a positive surprise for us all.','Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer','','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-2','','','2010-06-08 06:29:29','2010-06-08 06:29:29','',935,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/935-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(938,1,'2010-06-08 06:35:05','2010-06-08 06:35:05','June 6, \'10, 13:02 Edahn Golan, Las Vegas\n\nThe Las Vegas shows lived up to people’s pre-show expectations: good trading. Nothing more, or less. Jewelry buyers were focused on lower price point items, while diamond buyers sought a wide variety of goods, yet focusing on keeping prices within range.\n\nAt the high-end Couture show, exhibitors showcased a wide range of designs. The surprising element was the addition of low -end lines that most of the designers brought to accommodate the interest in lower price points, and so, many had items that retail at $300 and up, some had $150 items.\n\nFrom a design perspective, an emerging trend is intricate, lace like design elements. This is a step away from the simpler design styles that the American market usually favors. Designers created large pendants and wide bracelets with this design element.\n\nTwo other trends seen at Couture were very delicate, thin, light and airy items and, conversely, large layered items, mostly necklaces. The first was often made with yellow gold and set sparsely with diamonds or semi-precious stones. The components of the large items were a mix of materials in different sizes and colors.\n\nAt the JCK show, exhibitors did not offer any defined trend, but the desire to bring down price point was clear. Naturally, as the show progressed, it became clear that buyers were focusing on lower cost items.\n\nAmong the diamond traders things were different. Israeli traders provided a mixture of impressions, preferring to remain vague about their business. Indian traders were buying 1+ carat goods in the lower H-K color range, VVS+ quality, not insisting on good makes. Some said the purchases were speculative, while others said they are buying them to supply the Indian retail market.\n\nFancy color, mostly larger 2+ carat items sold well according to almost all those that sold them.\n\nFinally, a word about the American consumer. The U.S. economy is slowly improving. In the summer of 2008, a few months before the crash, walking down Las Vegas Blvd. it was clear that there are less American vacationers walking around. In retrospect, it was an early sign that spending is down and that something was not working right in the U.S. market.\n\nThis week, the crowds were clearly back. Anecdotal conversations with taxi drivers, shop owners and others, pointed to a rise in spending and greater confidence among these American vacationers. The spending levels are not yet back to their previous highs, but are none the less recuperating. If this is an indication, the Holiday Season may have a positive surprise for us all.\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34126\" target=\"_blank\" >tttttttt</a>','Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer','','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-3','','','2010-06-08 06:35:05','2010-06-08 06:35:05','',935,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/935-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(939,1,'2010-06-08 06:35:17','2010-06-08 06:35:17','June 6, \'10, 13:02 Edahn Golan, Las Vegas\r\n\r\nThe Las Vegas shows lived up to people’s pre-show expectations: good trading. Nothing more, or less. Jewelry buyers were focused on lower price point items, while diamond buyers sought a wide variety of goods, yet focusing on keeping prices within range.\r\n\r\nAt the high-end Couture show, exhibitors showcased a wide range of designs. The surprising element was the addition of low -end lines that most of the designers brought to accommodate the interest in lower price points, and so, many had items that retail at $300 and up, some had $150 items.\r\n\r\nFrom a design perspective, an emerging trend is intricate, lace like design elements. This is a step away from the simpler design styles that the American market usually favors. Designers created large pendants and wide bracelets with this design element.\r\n\r\nTwo other trends seen at Couture were very delicate, thin, light and airy items and, conversely, large layered items, mostly necklaces. The first was often made with yellow gold and set sparsely with diamonds or semi-precious stones. The components of the large items were a mix of materials in different sizes and colors.\r\n\r\nAt the JCK show, exhibitors did not offer any defined trend, but the desire to bring down price point was clear. Naturally, as the show progressed, it became clear that buyers were focusing on lower cost items.\r\n\r\nAmong the diamond traders things were different. Israeli traders provided a mixture of impressions, preferring to remain vague about their business. Indian traders were buying 1+ carat goods in the lower H-K color range, VVS+ quality, not insisting on good makes. Some said the purchases were speculative, while others said they are buying them to supply the Indian retail market.\r\n\r\nFancy color, mostly larger 2+ carat items sold well according to almost all those that sold them.\r\n\r\nFinally, a word about the American consumer. The U.S. economy is slowly improving. In the summer of 2008, a few months before the crash, walking down Las Vegas Blvd. it was clear that there are less American vacationers walking around. In retrospect, it was an early sign that spending is down and that something was not working right in the U.S. market.\r\n\r\nThis week, the crowds were clearly back. Anecdotal conversations with taxi drivers, shop owners and others, pointed to a rise in spending and greater confidence among these American vacationers. The spending levels are not yet back to their previous highs, but are none the less recuperating. If this is an indication, the Holiday Season may have a positive surprise for us all.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34126\" target=\"_blank\" >Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer</a>','Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer','','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-4','','','2010-06-08 06:35:17','2010-06-08 06:35:17','',935,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/935-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(940,1,'2010-06-08 06:35:21','2010-06-08 06:35:21','June 6, \'10, 13:02 Edahn Golan, Las Vegas\r\n\r\nThe Las Vegas shows lived up to people’s pre-show expectations: good trading. Nothing more, or less. Jewelry buyers were focused on lower price point items, while diamond buyers sought a wide variety of goods, yet focusing on keeping prices within range.\r\n\r\nAt the high-end Couture show, exhibitors showcased a wide range of designs. The surprising element was the addition of low -end lines that most of the designers brought to accommodate the interest in lower price points, and so, many had items that retail at $300 and up, some had $150 items.\r\n\r\nFrom a design perspective, an emerging trend is intricate, lace like design elements. This is a step away from the simpler design styles that the American market usually favors. Designers created large pendants and wide bracelets with this design element.\r\n\r\nTwo other trends seen at Couture were very delicate, thin, light and airy items and, conversely, large layered items, mostly necklaces. The first was often made with yellow gold and set sparsely with diamonds or semi-precious stones. The components of the large items were a mix of materials in different sizes and colors.\r\n\r\nAt the JCK show, exhibitors did not offer any defined trend, but the desire to bring down price point was clear. Naturally, as the show progressed, it became clear that buyers were focusing on lower cost items.\r\n\r\nAmong the diamond traders things were different. Israeli traders provided a mixture of impressions, preferring to remain vague about their business. Indian traders were buying 1+ carat goods in the lower H-K color range, VVS+ quality, not insisting on good makes. Some said the purchases were speculative, while others said they are buying them to supply the Indian retail market.\r\n\r\nFancy color, mostly larger 2+ carat items sold well according to almost all those that sold them.\r\n\r\nFinally, a word about the American consumer. The U.S. economy is slowly improving. In the summer of 2008, a few months before the crash, walking down Las Vegas Blvd. it was clear that there are less American vacationers walking around. In retrospect, it was an early sign that spending is down and that something was not working right in the U.S. market.\r\n\r\nThis week, the crowds were clearly back. Anecdotal conversations with taxi drivers, shop owners and others, pointed to a rise in spending and greater confidence among these American vacationers. The spending levels are not yet back to their previous highs, but are none the less recuperating. If this is an indication, the Holiday Season may have a positive surprise for us all.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34126\" target=\"_blank\" >Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer</a>','Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer','','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-5','','','2010-06-08 06:35:21','2010-06-08 06:35:21','',935,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/935-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(941,1,'2010-06-08 06:36:35','2010-06-08 06:36:35','June 6, \'10, 13:02 Edahn Golan, Las Vegas\r\n\r\nThe Las Vegas shows lived up to people’s pre-show expectations: good trading. Nothing more, or less. Jewelry buyers were focused on lower price point items, while diamond buyers sought a wide variety of goods, yet focusing on keeping prices within range.\r\n\r\nAt the high-end Couture show, exhibitors showcased a wide range of designs. The surprising element was the addition of low -end lines that most of the designers brought to accommodate the interest in lower price points, and so, many had items that retail at $300 and up, some had $150 items.\r\n\r\nFrom a design perspective, an emerging trend is intricate, lace like design elements. This is a step away from the simpler design styles that the American market usually favors. Designers created large pendants and wide bracelets with this design element.\r\n\r\nTwo other trends seen at Couture were very delicate, thin, light and airy items and, conversely, large layered items, mostly necklaces. The first was often made with yellow gold and set sparsely with diamonds or semi-precious stones. The components of the large items were a mix of materials in different sizes and colors.\r\n\r\nAt the JCK show, exhibitors did not offer any defined trend, but the desire to bring down price point was clear. Naturally, as the show progressed, it became clear that buyers were focusing on lower cost items.\r\n\r\nAmong the diamond traders things were different. Israeli traders provided a mixture of impressions, preferring to remain vague about their business. Indian traders were buying 1+ carat goods in the lower H-K color range, VVS+ quality, not insisting on good makes. Some said the purchases were speculative, while others said they are buying them to supply the Indian retail market.\r\n\r\nFancy color, mostly larger 2+ carat items sold well according to almost all those that sold them.\r\n\r\nFinally, a word about the American consumer. The U.S. economy is slowly improving. In the summer of 2008, a few months before the crash, walking down Las Vegas Blvd. it was clear that there are less American vacationers walking around. In retrospect, it was an early sign that spending is down and that something was not working right in the U.S. market.\r\n\r\nThis week, the crowds were clearly back. Anecdotal conversations with taxi drivers, shop owners and others, pointed to a rise in spending and greater confidence among these American vacationers. The spending levels are not yet back to their previous highs, but are none the less recuperating. If this is an indication, the Holiday Season may have a positive surprise for us all.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34126\" target=\"_blank\" >Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer</a>','Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer','','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-6','','','2010-06-08 06:36:35','2010-06-08 06:36:35','',935,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/935-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(942,1,'2010-06-08 07:09:17','2010-06-08 07:09:17','June 6, \'10, 13:02 Edahn Golan, Las Vegas\r\n\r\nThe Las Vegas shows lived up to people’s pre-show expectations: good trading. Nothing more, or less. Jewelry buyers were focused on lower price point items, while diamond buyers sought a wide variety of goods, yet focusing on keeping prices within range.\r\n\r\nAt the high-end Couture show, exhibitors showcased a wide range of designs. The surprising element was the addition of low -end lines that most of the designers brought to accommodate the interest in lower price points, and so, many had items that retail at $300 and up, some had $150 items.\r\n\r\nFrom a design perspective, an emerging trend is intricate, lace like design elements. This is a step away from the simpler design styles that the American market usually favors. Designers created large pendants and wide bracelets with this design element.\r\n\r\nTwo other trends seen at Couture were very delicate, thin, light and airy items and, conversely, large layered items, mostly necklaces. The first was often made with yellow gold and set sparsely with diamonds or semi-precious stones. The components of the large items were a mix of materials in different sizes and colors.\r\n\r\nAt the JCK show, exhibitors did not offer any defined trend, but the desire to bring down price point was clear. Naturally, as the show progressed, it became clear that buyers were focusing on lower cost items.\r\n\r\nAmong the diamond traders things were different. Israeli traders provided a mixture of impressions, preferring to remain vague about their business. Indian traders were buying 1+ carat goods in the lower H-K color range, VVS+ quality, not insisting on good makes. Some said the purchases were speculative, while others said they are buying them to supply the Indian retail market.\r\n\r\nFancy color, mostly larger 2+ carat items sold well according to almost all those that sold them.\r\n\r\nFinally, a word about the American consumer. The U.S. economy is slowly improving. In the summer of 2008, a few months before the crash, walking down Las Vegas Blvd. it was clear that there are less American vacationers walking around. In retrospect, it was an early sign that spending is down and that something was not working right in the U.S. market.\r\n\r\nThis week, the crowds were clearly back. Anecdotal conversations with taxi drivers, shop owners and others, pointed to a rise in spending and greater confidence among these American vacationers. The spending levels are not yet back to their previous highs, but are none the less recuperating. If this is an indication, the Holiday Season may have a positive surprise for us all.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34126\" target=\"_blank\">Las Vegas: Decent Trading &amp; the Return of the American Consumer</a>','Las Vegas: Decent Trading & the Return of the American Consumer','','inherit','open','open','','935-autosave','','','2010-06-08 07:09:17','2010-06-08 07:09:17','',935,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/935-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(943,1,'2010-06-08 06:56:15','2010-06-08 06:56:15','[caption id=\"attachment_944\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"187\" caption=\"Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today&#39;s brides\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOpportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\n<strong>Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>He urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers</strong>, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34127\" target=\"_blank\">Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','publish','open','open','','gassman-bridal-life-long-relationship','','','2010-06-08 06:56:15','2010-06-08 06:56:15','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=943',0,'post','',0),(944,1,'2010-06-08 06:43:40','2010-06-08 06:43:40','Gassman: It\'s all about the look','gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock','','inherit','open','open','','gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock','','','2010-06-08 06:43:40','2010-06-08 06:43:40','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(945,1,'2010-06-08 06:41:19','2010-06-08 06:41:19','Opportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\n\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\n\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\n\nStyle, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”\n\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\n\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\n\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision','','','2010-06-08 06:41:19','2010-06-08 06:41:19','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision',0,'revision','',0),(946,1,'2010-06-08 06:45:09','2010-06-08 06:45:09','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>Opportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\nStyle, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”\r\n\r\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-2','','','2010-06-08 06:45:09','2010-06-08 06:45:09','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(947,1,'2010-06-08 06:45:15','2010-06-08 06:45:15','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>Opportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\nStyle, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”\r\n\r\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-3','','','2010-06-08 06:45:15','2010-06-08 06:45:15','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(948,1,'2010-06-08 06:45:19','2010-06-08 06:45:19','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>Opportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\nStyle, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”\r\n\r\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-4','','','2010-06-08 06:45:19','2010-06-08 06:45:19','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(949,1,'2010-06-08 06:46:26','2010-06-08 06:46:26','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>Opportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\nStyle, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”\r\n\r\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34127\" target=\"_blank\" >Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-5','','','2010-06-08 06:46:26','2010-06-08 06:46:26','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(950,1,'2010-06-08 06:46:30','2010-06-08 06:46:30','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>Opportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\nStyle, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”\r\n\r\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34127\" target=\"_blank\" >Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-6','','','2010-06-08 06:46:30','2010-06-08 06:46:30','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(951,1,'2010-06-08 06:49:38','2010-06-08 06:49:38','[caption id=\"attachment_944\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"187\" caption=\"Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today&#39;s brides\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nOpportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\n\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\n\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\n\nStyle, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”\n\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\n\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\n\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34127\" target=\"_blank\">Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-7','','','2010-06-08 06:49:38','2010-06-08 06:49:38','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(952,1,'2010-06-08 06:53:54','2010-06-08 06:53:54','[caption id=\"attachment_944\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"187\" caption=\"Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today&#39;s brides\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOpportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\nStyle, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”\r\n\r\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34127\" target=\"_blank\">Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-8','','','2010-06-08 06:53:54','2010-06-08 06:53:54','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(953,1,'2010-06-08 06:53:56','2010-06-08 06:53:56','[caption id=\"attachment_944\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"187\" caption=\"Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today&#39;s brides\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOpportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\nStyle, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”\r\n\r\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34127\" target=\"_blank\">Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-9','','','2010-06-08 06:53:56','2010-06-08 06:53:56','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(954,1,'2010-06-08 06:54:20','2010-06-08 06:54:20','[caption id=\"attachment_944\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"187\" caption=\"Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today&#39;s brides\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOpportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\n<strong>Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”</strong>\r\n\r\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34127\" target=\"_blank\">Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-10','','','2010-06-08 06:54:20','2010-06-08 06:54:20','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(955,1,'2010-06-08 06:54:21','2010-06-08 06:54:21','[caption id=\"attachment_944\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"187\" caption=\"Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today&#39;s brides\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOpportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\n<strong>Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”</strong>\r\n\r\nHe urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34127\" target=\"_blank\">Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-11','','','2010-06-08 06:54:21','2010-06-08 06:54:21','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-11',0,'revision','',0),(956,1,'2010-06-08 06:55:21','2010-06-08 06:55:21','[caption id=\"attachment_944\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"187\" caption=\"Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today&#39;s brides\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOpportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\n<strong>Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>He urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers</strong>, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34127\" target=\"_blank\">Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-12','','','2010-06-08 06:55:21','2010-06-08 06:55:21','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-12',0,'revision','',0),(957,1,'2010-06-08 06:55:22','2010-06-08 06:55:22','[caption id=\"attachment_944\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"187\" caption=\"Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today&#39;s brides\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOpportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\n<strong>Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>He urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers</strong>, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34127\" target=\"_blank\">Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-13','','','2010-06-08 06:55:22','2010-06-08 06:55:22','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-13',0,'revision','',0),(958,1,'2010-06-08 06:56:06','2010-06-08 06:56:06','[caption id=\"attachment_944\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"187\" caption=\"Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today&#39;s brides\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOpportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\n<strong>Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>He urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers</strong>, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34127\" target=\"_blank\">Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-revision-14','','','2010-06-08 06:56:06','2010-06-08 06:56:06','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-revision-14',0,'revision','',0),(959,1,'2010-06-08 07:01:22','2010-06-08 07:01:22','[caption id=\"attachment_944\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"187\" caption=\"Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today&#39;s brides\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-944\" title=\"gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/gassman-its-all-about-the-look_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"280\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nOpportunities abound for jewelers who want to have a share of the bridal industry, IDEX Online analyst Ken Gassman said at his keynote address at the JCK show on Saturday. Bridal jewelry sales, he said, is a gateway to life time of business for an independent jeweler.\r\n\r\nTitled Minimize Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity, Gassman described to the crowd key points they must remember to do to create this long term relationship. \"When an engagement ring is bought in your store, don\'t forget to get the wedding date. According to a The Knot survey, 40 percent of jewelers don\'t do that,\" Gassman exclaimed. \"They are missing out on the next sale!\"\r\n\r\nThe U.S. bridal jewelry market is $12 billion, about 20 percent of all jewelry sales. It is predicted to grow to $15 billion by 2016. Engagement rings alone account for $7.7 billion annually, with an average ticket of $4,500 to $6,000.\r\n\r\n<strong>Style, Gassman said, is the first consideration for today\'s brides. “It’s all about the look.”</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>He urged jewelers to collect key data from the buyers</strong>, contact details and personal dates, such as birthdays, and keep in touch with them as those dates and anniversaries are nearing. “Let them know that you’re still there.”\r\n\r\n\"Show them your tattoo,\" he said on the difference between the Millennial generation and the Boomers. \"They want different, and tattoos are away to customize their bodies. The Millennials don’t want what we’ve been selling to their parents. We have to give them something different and something unique.”\r\n\r\nOther points of consideration are that Millennials, in their desire for something unique, are willing to wait for the \'right\' design and are environmentally conscience. \"So offer recycled gold.\"\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&amp;id=34127\" target=\"_blank\">Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship</a>','Gassman: Bridal Life Long Relationship','','inherit','open','open','','943-autosave','','','2010-06-08 07:01:22','2010-06-08 07:01:22','',943,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/943-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(960,1,'2010-06-09 05:49:01','2010-06-09 05:49:01','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\" target=\"_blank\">Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit</a>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','publish','open','open','','rise-in-harry-winston-q1-sales-yet-to-return-to-profit','','','2010-06-09 05:49:01','2010-06-09 05:49:01','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=960',0,'post','',0),(961,1,'2010-06-08 08:14:45','2010-06-08 08:14:45','Diamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond  sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while  retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter  with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior  year.\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the  volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12  percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined  ore. The  company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined  rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices.  Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the  price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first  quarter of the prior year.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45  percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million,  compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of  the prior year.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from  a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange  loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF:</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision','','','2010-06-08 08:14:45','2010-06-08 08:14:45','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision',0,'revision','',0),(962,1,'2010-06-08 08:15:58','2010-06-08 08:15:58','Diamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond  sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while  retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter  with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior  year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the  volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12  percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined  ore. The  company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined  rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices.  Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the  price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first  quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45  percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million,  compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of  the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from  a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange  loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF:</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-2','','','2010-06-08 08:15:58','2010-06-08 08:15:58','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(963,1,'2010-06-08 08:16:47','2010-06-08 08:16:47','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond  sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while  retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter  with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior  year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the  volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12  percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined  ore. The  company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined  rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices.  Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the  price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first  quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45  percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million,  compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of  the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from  a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange  loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF:</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-3','','','2010-06-08 08:16:47','2010-06-08 08:16:47','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(964,1,'2010-06-08 08:17:01','2010-06-08 08:17:01','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond  sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while  retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter  with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior  year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the  volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12  percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined  ore. The  company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined  rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices.  Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the  price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first  quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45  percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million,  compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of  the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from  a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange  loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF:</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-4','','','2010-06-08 08:17:01','2010-06-08 08:17:01','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(966,1,'2010-06-09 05:22:03','2010-06-09 05:22:03','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\n\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF: &lt;a href=\"http://biggstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" &gt;tttttttt&lt;/a&gt;</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-5','','','2010-06-09 05:22:03','2010-06-09 05:22:03','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(980,1,'2010-06-09 05:36:40','2010-06-09 05:36:40','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]Diamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"> </p>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\" target=\"_blank\" >Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit</a>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-18','','','2010-06-09 05:36:40','2010-06-09 05:36:40','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-18',0,'revision','',0),(967,1,'2010-06-09 05:22:27','2010-06-09 05:22:27','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF: &lt;a href=\"<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\">http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128</a>\" target=\"_blank\" &gt;Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit&lt;/a&gt;</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-6','','','2010-06-09 05:22:27','2010-06-09 05:22:27','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(968,1,'2010-06-09 05:25:54','2010-06-09 05:25:54','','rise-in-harry-winston-q1-sales_biggstock','','inherit','open','open','','rise-in-harry-winston-q1-sales_biggstock','','','2010-06-09 05:25:54','2010-06-09 05:25:54','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/rise-in-harry-winston-q1-sales_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(969,1,'2010-06-09 05:22:29','2010-06-09 05:22:29','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF: &lt;a href=\"<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\">http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128</a>\" target=\"_blank\" &gt;Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit&lt;/a&gt;</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-7','','','2010-06-09 05:22:29','2010-06-09 05:22:29','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(974,1,'2010-06-09 05:34:38','2010-06-09 05:34:38','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"> </p>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\" target=\"_blank\" >Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit</a>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-12','','','2010-06-09 05:34:38','2010-06-09 05:34:38','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-12',0,'revision','',0),(970,1,'2010-06-09 05:26:18','2010-06-09 05:26:18','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF: &lt;a href=\"<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\">http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128</a>\" target=\"_blank\" &gt;Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit&lt;/a&gt;</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-8','','','2010-06-09 05:26:18','2010-06-09 05:26:18','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(971,1,'2010-06-09 05:26:26','2010-06-09 05:26:26','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF: &lt;a href=\"<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\">http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128</a>\" target=\"_blank\" &gt;Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit&lt;/a&gt;</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-9','','','2010-06-09 05:26:26','2010-06-09 05:26:26','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(972,1,'2010-06-09 05:26:39','2010-06-09 05:26:39','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF: &lt;a href=\"<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\">http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128</a>\" target=\"_blank\" &gt;Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit&lt;/a&gt;</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-10','','','2010-06-09 05:26:39','2010-06-09 05:26:39','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(973,1,'2010-06-09 05:33:07','2010-06-09 05:33:07','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">REF: &lt;a href=\"<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\">http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128</a>\" target=\"_blank\" &gt;Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit&lt;/a&gt;</p>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-11','','','2010-06-09 05:33:07','2010-06-09 05:33:07','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-11',0,'revision','',0),(975,1,'2010-06-09 05:34:45','2010-06-09 05:34:45','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"> </p>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\" target=\"_blank\" >Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit</a>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-13','','','2010-06-09 05:34:45','2010-06-09 05:34:45','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-13',0,'revision','',0),(976,1,'2010-06-09 05:34:58','2010-06-09 05:34:58','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]\r\n\r\nDiamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"> </p>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\" target=\"_blank\" >Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit</a>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-14','','','2010-06-09 05:34:58','2010-06-09 05:34:58','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-14',0,'revision','',0),(977,1,'2010-06-09 05:36:09','2010-06-09 05:36:09','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]Diamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"> </p>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\" target=\"_blank\" >Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit</a>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-15','','','2010-06-09 05:36:09','2010-06-09 05:36:09','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-15',0,'revision','',0),(978,1,'2010-06-09 05:36:20','2010-06-09 05:36:20','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]Diamond miner and retailer Harry Winston Diamonds reported rough diamond sales dropped 15 percent to $48.9 million in the first quarter while retail sales rose 25 percent to $65.1 million. The company ended the quarter with a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a $45.1 million loss in the prior year.\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The decrease in rough diamond sales resulted from a decrease in the volume of sales, the company said. The decrease was partially a result of a 12 percent decrease in production, mostly due to a planned lower volume of mined ore. The company produced 625,000 carats in the first quarter.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>IDEX Online</em> understands that some regular clients have declined rough diamond purchases during the quarter, possibly due to high asking prices. Excluding the carryover of the 0.4 million carats from the prior quarter, the price per carat nearly doubled, increasing 98 percent compared with the first quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Total sales of $114 million for the first quarter resulted in a 45 percent increase in gross margin and earnings from operations of $1.4 million, compared to a loss from operations of $10.1 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Harry Winston was also hurt by the weakening U.S. dollar, suffering from a net foreign exchange loss of $11.8 million compared to a net foreign exchange loss of $5.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"> </p>\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34128\" target=\"_blank\" >Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit</a>','Rise In Harry Winston Q1 Sales, Yet to Return to Profit','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-16','','','2010-06-09 05:36:20','2010-06-09 05:36:20','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-16',0,'revision','',0),