(979,1,'2010-06-09 05:36:21','2010-06-09 05:36:21','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-17','','','2010-06-09 05:36:21','2010-06-09 05:36:21','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-17',0,'revision','',0),(981,1,'2010-06-09 05:36:50','2010-06-09 05:36:50','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\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-19','','','2010-06-09 05:36:50','2010-06-09 05:36:50','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-19',0,'revision','',0),(982,1,'2010-06-09 05:37:12','2010-06-09 05:37:12','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','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-20','','','2010-06-09 05:37:12','2010-06-09 05:37:12','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-20',0,'revision','',0),(983,1,'2010-06-09 05:37:18','2010-06-09 05:37:18','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\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-21','','','2010-06-09 05:37:18','2010-06-09 05:37:18','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-21',0,'revision','',0),(984,1,'2010-06-09 05:37:24','2010-06-09 05:37:24','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','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-22','','','2010-06-09 05:37:24','2010-06-09 05:37:24','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-22',0,'revision','',0),(985,1,'2010-06-09 05:39:25','2010-06-09 05:39:25','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','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-23','','','2010-06-09 05:39:25','2010-06-09 05:39:25','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-23',0,'revision','',0),(986,1,'2010-06-09 05:39:30','2010-06-09 05:39:30','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','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-24','','','2010-06-09 05:39:30','2010-06-09 05:39:30','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-24',0,'revision','',0),(987,1,'2010-06-09 05:39:46','2010-06-09 05:39:46','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','','inherit','open','open','','960-revision-25','','','2010-06-09 05:39:46','2010-06-09 05:39:46','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-revision-25',0,'revision','',0),(988,1,'2010-06-09 05:50:17','2010-06-09 05:50:17','June 7, \'10, 12:51 Ken Gassman\n\n[gallery link=\"file\" columns=\"2\"]\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>\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-autosave','','','2010-06-09 05:50:17','2010-06-09 05:50:17','',960,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/960-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1002,1,'2010-06-10 06:08:03','2010-06-10 06:08:03','<div>By Michelle Graff, <em>June 08, 2010 </em></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_996\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Ippolita bangles, in 18-karat gold &amp; diamonds , range from $795-2,500 at retail\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-diamond-range-from795-2500-at-retail_biggstock1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-996\" title=\"ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-&amp;-diamond-range-from$795-2500-at retail_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-diamond-range-from795-2500-at-retail_biggstock1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nGiven that gold prices remain high and today\'s budget-conscious consumer is  watching every dollar, it\'s no surprise that <em>National Jeweler</em>\'s Product  Panel on gold jewelry reveals that sales have headed south.\r\n\r\nAs the price  of gold has gone up, a total 89 percent of survey-takers said they have seen  their gold jewelry sales fall or stay flat. In fact, sales dropped significantly  for 37 percent of panelists, fell slightly for 30 percent and remained flat for  22 percent in recent years.\r\n\r\nWhen asked to provide innovative  strategies that have helped to sell gold jewelry, one panelist confessed to  being stumped, writing \"[I] wish I could think of something creative, but who is  going to buy gold jewelry in this current market?\"\r\n\r\nAs gold sales have  slipped, so has jewelers\' interest in stocking the metal, the survey shows.\r\nWhile many jewelers have been reducing their inventories overall, more than  half of product panelists have cut back on gold, specifically: 31 percent of  respondents said that they have reduced their gold jewelry inventory  significantly in dollar terms and 28 percent reported they had decreased their  gold jewelry volume somewhat. Twenty percent said their gold inventories had  remained about flat over the last three years.\r\n\r\n<strong>Silver and  gold\r\n</strong>\r\nIndeed, it seems that today, there\'s more gold around the neck  of Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn than in the average jeweler\'s display case. But,  the survey shows that a number of respondents haven\'t given up on the metal  entirely, choosing instead to stock lighter-weight designs or gold-and-silver  pieces that are priced to sell.\r\n\r\n\"We are stocking more earrings,  lighter-weight,\" one respondent wrote. \"We can\'t sell lighter bracelets as they  do not hold up. Silver with gold accents is doing well.\"\r\n\r\nAnother  survey-taker described carrying \"gold and sterling silver jewelry that has been  welded together.\"\r\n\r\n<strong>The buyback business</strong>\r\n\r\nWith the price of  gold still above $1,000 an ounce at press time, it\'s not surprising that gold  buybacks remain a popular way to profit from gold.\r\n\r\nPanelist strategies  include allowing customers to have their old gold jewelry remade into something  new, recasting scrap into fresh pieces for the display case or simply shipping  the metal off to a refinery for cash.\r\n\r\n\"We started buying gold a little  over 12 months ago and it now represents a third of our annual income,\" one  survey-taker wrote. \"We do not inventory these items. They are sent to the  refiners.\"\r\n<em>\r\nThis story first appeared in the May 1, 2010 print edition  of </em>National Jeweler\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/retail-surveys/e3i8ab839c51080663fa4fe48681b20f83c\" target=\"_blank\">Gold hush: Data on gold jewelry sales</a>','Gold hush: Data on gold jewelry sales','','inherit','open','open','','995-revision-6','','','2010-06-10 06:08:03','2010-06-10 06:08:03','',995,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/995-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1003,1,'2010-06-10 06:08:40','2010-06-10 06:08:40','<div>By Michelle Graff, <em>June 08, 2010 </em></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_996\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Ippolita bangles, in 18-karat gold &amp; diamonds , range from $795-2,500 at retail\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-diamond-range-from795-2500-at-retail_biggstock1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-996\" title=\"ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-&amp;-diamond-range-from$795-2500-at retail_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-diamond-range-from795-2500-at-retail_biggstock1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nGiven that gold prices remain high and today\'s budget-conscious consumer is  watching every dollar, it\'s no surprise that <em>National Jeweler</em>\'s Product  Panel on gold jewelry reveals that sales have headed south.\r\n\r\nAs the price  of gold has gone up, a total 89 percent of survey-takers said they have seen  their gold jewelry sales fall or stay flat. In fact, sales dropped significantly  for 37 percent of panelists, fell slightly for 30 percent and remained flat for  22 percent in recent years.\r\n\r\nWhen asked to provide innovative  strategies that have helped to sell gold jewelry, one panelist confessed to  being stumped, writing \"[I] wish I could think of something creative, but who is  going to buy gold jewelry in this current market?\"\r\n\r\nAs gold sales have  slipped, so has jewelers\' interest in stocking the metal, the survey shows.\r\nWhile many jewelers have been reducing their inventories overall, more than  half of product panelists have cut back on gold, specifically: 31 percent of  respondents said that they have reduced their gold jewelry inventory  significantly in dollar terms and 28 percent reported they had decreased their  gold jewelry volume somewhat. Twenty percent said their gold inventories had  remained about flat over the last three years.\r\n\r\n<strong>Silver and  gold\r\n</strong>\r\nIndeed, it seems that today, there\'s more gold around the neck  of Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn than in the average jeweler\'s display case. But,  the survey shows that a number of respondents haven\'t given up on the metal  entirely, choosing instead to stock lighter-weight designs or gold-and-silver  pieces that are priced to sell.\r\n\r\n\"We are stocking more earrings,  lighter-weight,\" one respondent wrote. \"We can\'t sell lighter bracelets as they  do not hold up. Silver with gold accents is doing well.\"\r\n\r\nAnother  survey-taker described carrying \"gold and sterling silver jewelry that has been  welded together.\"\r\n\r\n<strong>The buyback business</strong>\r\n\r\nWith the price of  gold still above $1,000 an ounce at press time, it\'s not surprising that gold  buybacks remain a popular way to profit from gold.\r\n\r\nPanelist strategies  include allowing customers to have their old gold jewelry remade into something  new, recasting scrap into fresh pieces for the display case or simply shipping  the metal off to a refinery for cash.\r\n\r\n\"We started buying gold a little  over 12 months ago and it now represents a third of our annual income,\" one  survey-taker wrote. \"We do not inventory these items. They are sent to the  refiners.\"\r\n<em>\r\nThis story first appeared in the May 1, 2010 print edition  of </em>National Jeweler\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/retail-surveys/e3i8ab839c51080663fa4fe48681b20f83c\" target=\"_blank\">Gold hush: Data on gold jewelry sales</a>','Gold hush: Data on gold jewelry sales','','inherit','open','open','','995-autosave','','','2010-06-10 06:08:40','2010-06-10 06:08:40','',995,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/995-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1004,1,'2010-06-12 05:40:17','2010-06-12 05:40:17','<div>By Michelle Graff, <em>June 08, 2010 </em></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_996\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"307\" caption=\"Ippolita bangles, in 18-karat gold &amp; diamonds , range from $795-2,500 at retail\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-diamond-range-from795-2500-at-retail_biggstock1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-996\" title=\"ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-&amp;-diamond-range-from$795-2500-at retail_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-diamond-range-from795-2500-at-retail_biggstock1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nGiven that gold prices remain high and today\'s budget-conscious consumer is watching every dollar, it\'s no surprise that <em>National Jeweler</em>\'s Product Panel on gold jewelry reveals that sales have headed south.\r\n\r\nAs the price of gold has gone up, a total 89 percent of survey-takers said they have seen their gold jewelry sales fall or stay flat. In fact, sales dropped significantly for 37 percent of panelists, fell slightly for 30 percent and remained flat for 22 percent in recent years.\r\n\r\nWhen asked to provide innovative strategies that have helped to sell gold jewelry, one panelist confessed to being stumped, writing \"[I] wish I could think of something creative, but who is going to buy gold jewelry in this current market?\"\r\n\r\nAs gold sales have slipped, so has jewelers\' interest in stocking the metal, the survey shows.\r\nWhile many jewelers have been reducing their inventories overall, more than half of product panelists have cut back on gold, specifically: 31 percent of respondents said that they have reduced their gold jewelry inventory significantly in dollar terms and 28 percent reported they had decreased their gold jewelry volume somewhat. Twenty percent said their gold inventories had remained about flat over the last three years.\r\n\r\n<strong>Silver and gold\r\n</strong>\r\nIndeed, it seems that today, there\'s more gold around the neck of Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn than in the average jeweler\'s display case. But, the survey shows that a number of respondents haven\'t given up on the metal entirely, choosing instead to stock lighter-weight designs or gold-and-silver pieces that are priced to sell.\r\n\r\n\"We are stocking more earrings, lighter-weight,\" one respondent wrote. \"We can\'t sell lighter bracelets as they do not hold up. Silver with gold accents is doing well.\"\r\n\r\nAnother survey-taker described carrying \"gold and sterling silver jewelry that has been welded together.\"\r\n\r\n<strong>The buyback business</strong>\r\n\r\nWith the price of gold still above $1,000 an ounce at press time, it\'s not surprising that gold buybacks remain a popular way to profit from gold.\r\n\r\nPanelist strategies include allowing customers to have their old gold jewelry remade into something new, recasting scrap into fresh pieces for the display case or simply shipping the metal off to a refinery for cash.\r\n\r\n\"We started buying gold a little over 12 months ago and it now represents a third of our annual income,\" one survey-taker wrote. \"We do not inventory these items. They are sent to the refiners.\"\r\n<em>\r\nThis story first appeared in the May 1, 2010 print edition of </em>National Jeweler\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/retail-surveys/e3i8ab839c51080663fa4fe48681b20f83c\" target=\"_blank\">Gold hush: Data on gold jewelry sales</a>','Gold hush: Data on gold jewelry sales','','inherit','open','open','','995-autosave-2','','','2010-06-12 05:40:17','2010-06-12 05:40:17','',995,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/995-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1005,1,'2010-06-10 06:08:06','2010-06-10 06:08:06','<div>By Michelle Graff, <i>June 08, 2010 </i></div>\r\n<div>\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" draggable=\"\"><dl id=\"attachment_996\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 317px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-diamond-range-from795-2500-at-retail_biggstock1.jpg\" mce_href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-diamond-range-from795-2500-at-retail_biggstock1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-996\" title=\"ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-&amp;-diamond-range-from$795-2500-at retail_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-diamond-range-from795-2500-at-retail_biggstock1.jpg\" mce_src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ippolita-bangles-in-18-karats-gold-diamond-range-from795-2500-at-retail_biggstock1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\"></a><br mce_bogus=\"1\"></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Ippolita bangles, in 18-karat gold &amp; diamonds , range from $795-2,500 at retail</dd></dl></div></div>\r\n<div><p>Given that gold prices remain high and today\'s budget-conscious consumer is  watching every dollar, it\'s no surprise that <i>National Jeweler</i>\'s Product  Panel on gold jewelry reveals that sales have headed south.</p>\r\n<p>As the price  of gold has gone up, a total 89 percent of survey-takers said they have seen  their gold jewelry sales fall or stay flat. In fact, sales dropped significantly  for 37 percent of panelists, fell slightly for 30 percent and remained flat for  22 percent in recent years.</p>\r\n<p>When asked to provide innovative  strategies that have helped to sell gold jewelry, one panelist confessed to  being stumped, writing \"[I] wish I could think of something creative, but who is  going to buy gold jewelry in this current market?\"</p>\r\n<p>As gold sales have  slipped, so has jewelers\' interest in stocking the metal, the survey shows.<br>\r\nWhile many jewelers have been reducing their inventories overall, more than  half of product panelists have cut back on gold, specifically: 31 percent of  respondents said that they have reduced their gold jewelry inventory  significantly in dollar terms and 28 percent reported they had decreased their  gold jewelry volume somewhat. Twenty percent said their gold inventories had  remained about flat over the last three years.</p>\r\n<p><b>Silver and  gold<br>\r\n</b><br>\r\nIndeed, it seems that today, there\'s more gold around the neck  of Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn than in the average jeweler\'s display case. But,  the survey shows that a number of respondents haven\'t given up on the metal  entirely, choosing instead to stock lighter-weight designs or gold-and-silver  pieces that are priced to sell.</p>\r\n<p>\"We are stocking more earrings,  lighter-weight,\" one respondent wrote. \"We can\'t sell lighter bracelets as they  do not hold up. Silver with gold accents is doing well.\"</p>\r\n<p>Another  survey-taker described carrying \"gold and sterling silver jewelry that has been  welded together.\"</p>\r\n<p><b>The buyback business</b></p>\r\n<p>With the price of  gold still above $1,000 an ounce at press time, it\'s not surprising that gold  buybacks remain a popular way to profit from gold.</p>\r\n<p>Panelist strategies  include allowing customers to have their old gold jewelry remade into something  new, recasting scrap into fresh pieces for the display case or simply shipping  the metal off to a refinery for cash.</p>\r\n<p>\"We started buying gold a little  over 12 months ago and it now represents a third of our annual income,\" one  survey-taker wrote. \"We do not inventory these items. They are sent to the  refiners.\"<br>\r\n<i><br>\r\nThis story first appeared in the May 1, 2010 print edition  of </i>National Jeweler</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<p>REF: <a href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/retail-surveys/e3i8ab839c51080663fa4fe48681b20f83c\" mce_href=\"http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/independents/retail-surveys/e3i8ab839c51080663fa4fe48681b20f83c\" target=\"_blank\">Gold hush: Data on gold jewelry sales</a><br mce_bogus=\"1\"></p>','Gold hush: Data on gold jewelry sales','','inherit','open','open','','995-revision-7','','','2010-06-10 06:08:06','2010-06-10 06:08:06','',995,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/995-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(1007,1,'2010-06-11 06:03:39','2010-06-11 06:03:39','','dalumi-group-launched-fancy-yellow-diamond-jewelry-splendor_biggstock','Dalumi group launched fancy yellow diamond jewelry,splendor','inherit','open','open','','dalumi-group-launched-fancy-yellow-diamond-jewelry-splendor_biggstock','','','2010-06-11 06:03:39','2010-06-11 06:03:39','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/dalumi-group-launched-fancy-yellow-diamond-jewelry-splendor_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1008,1,'2010-06-11 06:06:06','2010-06-11 06:06:06','June 10, \'10, 11:58 IDEX Online Staff Reporter\n\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>\n\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.\n\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.\n\nEach set includes matching earrings, a necklace and a bracelet.\n\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.”','Dalumi Expanding Fancy Yellow Jewelry Line','','inherit','open','open','','1006-revision','','','2010-06-11 06:06:06','2010-06-11 06:06:06','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1006-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1009,1,'2010-06-11 06:06:12','2010-06-11 06:06:12','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.”','Dalumi Expanding Fancy Yellow Jewelry Line','','inherit','open','open','','1006-revision-2','','','2010-06-11 06:06:12','2010-06-11 06:06:12','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1006-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1010,1,'2010-06-11 06:06:13','2010-06-11 06:06:13','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.”','Dalumi Expanding Fancy Yellow Jewelry Line','','inherit','open','open','','1006-revision-3','','','2010-06-11 06:06:13','2010-06-11 06:06:13','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1006-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1011,1,'2010-06-11 06:06:20','2010-06-11 06:06:20','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.”','Dalumi Expanding Fancy Yellow Jewelry Line','','inherit','open','open','','1006-revision-4','','','2010-06-11 06:06:20','2010-06-11 06:06:20','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1006-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1012,1,'2010-06-11 06:08:14','2010-06-11 06:08:14','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','','inherit','open','open','','1006-revision-5','','','2010-06-11 06:08:14','2010-06-11 06:08:14','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1006-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1013,1,'2010-06-11 06:08:16','2010-06-11 06:08:16','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','','inherit','open','open','','1006-revision-6','','','2010-06-11 06:08:16','2010-06-11 06:08:16','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1006-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1082,1,'2010-06-19 06:57:38','2010-06-19 06:57:38','[caption id=\"attachment_1083\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"286\" caption=\"The Letseng Legacy, mined not far from where Lucara has just recovered the 53.5 carat white diamond\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/letseng-legacy_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1083\" title=\"letseng-legacy_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/letseng-legacy_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"286\" height=\"235\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nLucara Diamond recovered a 53.5 carat, white Type IIA diamond at the company’s Mothae mine in Lesotho. The find is a big surprise, as Lucara started initial production just a few days ago.\r\n\r\nThe Mothae mine goods were give a high valuation that was not based on the finding of large high value goods. The mine is located near the Letseng mine, which is known for its many large Type IIA diamonds. In recent years, Gem Diamonds mined several such diamonds weighing more than 100 carats.\r\n\r\nKimberlite processing, which totals just 2,000 tonnes, commenced at Mothae on Monday of this week. Production is currently in the ramp-up stage.\r\n\r\n“Results of initial sampling work at Mothae indicated that large diamonds are present but were being broken by the limited material size which the original bulk sample plant could process,” said President and CEO William Lamb.\r\n\r\n“As a single stone, this diamond is more than twice the size of any previous diamond recovered from Mothae. Management views this as early confirmation of our technical assessment of Mothae’s potential and the operational approach we have taken to advance this exciting project.”\r\n\r\nREF:<a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34160\" target=\"_blank\" >Lucara Recovers 53.5 Carat Diamond During</a>\r\n','Lucara Recovers 53.5 Carat Diamond During','','publish','open','open','','lucara-recovers-53-5-carat-diamond-during','','','2010-06-19 06:59:08','2010-06-19 06:59:08','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1082',0,'post','',0),(1015,1,'2010-06-11 06:14:07','2010-06-11 06:14:07','June 10, \'10, 11:58 IDEX Online Staff Reporter\n\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>\n\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.\n\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.\n\nEach set includes matching earrings, a necklace and a bracelet.\n\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.”\n\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','','inherit','open','open','','1006-revision-7','','','2010-06-11 06:14:07','2010-06-11 06:14:07','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1006-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(1016,1,'2010-06-11 06:15:10','2010-06-11 06:15:10','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','','inherit','open','open','','1006-revision-8','','','2010-06-11 06:15:10','2010-06-11 06:15:10','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1006-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(1017,1,'2010-06-11 06:15:14','2010-06-11 06:15:14','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','','inherit','open','open','','1006-revision-9','','','2010-06-11 06:15:14','2010-06-11 06:15:14','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1006-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(1018,1,'2010-06-12 05:39:43','2010-06-12 05:39:43','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','','inherit','open','open','','1006-autosave','','','2010-06-12 05:39:43','2010-06-12 05:39:43','',1006,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1006-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1021,1,'2010-06-12 05:52:21','2010-06-12 05:52:21','<div>\n\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.\n\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.\n\n</div>\n\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 ','','inherit','open','open','','1020-revision','','','2010-06-12 05:52:21','2010-06-12 05:52:21','',1020,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1020-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1022,1,'2010-06-12 05:57:22','2010-06-12 05:57:22','<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 ','','inherit','open','open','','1020-revision-2','','','2010-06-12 05:57:22','2010-06-12 05:57:22','',1020,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1020-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1023,1,'2010-06-12 05:57:27','2010-06-12 05:57:27','<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 ','','inherit','open','open','','1020-revision-3','','','2010-06-12 05:57:27','2010-06-12 05:57:27','',1020,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1020-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1024,1,'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 ','','inherit','open','open','','1020-revision-4','','','2010-06-12 05:58:09','2010-06-12 05:58:09','',1020,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1020-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1025,1,'2010-06-12 05:58:21','2010-06-12 05:58:21','<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 ','','inherit','open','open','','1020-autosave','','','2010-06-12 05:58:21','2010-06-12 05:58:21','',1020,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1020-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1027,1,'2010-06-14 06:25:57','2010-06-14 06:25:57','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.\n\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.\n\nTo continue its goodwill with its clientele, company launched a newsletter to periodically share its progress.',' L Gopal Jewellers celebrates 25 years in business ','','inherit','open','open','','1026-revision','','','2010-06-14 06:25:57','2010-06-14 06:25:57','',1026,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1026-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1028,1,'2010-06-14 06:30:14','2010-06-14 06:30:14','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.\n\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.\n\nTo continue its goodwill with its clientele, company launched a newsletter to periodically share its progress.\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5028\" target=\"_blank\" >tttttttt</a>',' L Gopal Jewellers celebrates 25 years in business ','','inherit','open','open','','1026-revision-2','','','2010-06-14 06:30:14','2010-06-14 06:30:14','',1026,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1026-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1029,1,'2010-06-14 06:30:32','2010-06-14 06:30:32','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 ','','inherit','open','open','','1026-revision-3','','','2010-06-14 06:30:32','2010-06-14 06:30:32','',1026,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1026-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1030,1,'2010-06-14 06:30:38','2010-06-14 06:30:38','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 ','','inherit','open','open','','1026-revision-4','','','2010-06-14 06:30:38','2010-06-14 06:30:38','',1026,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1026-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1031,1,'2010-06-14 06:39:27','2010-06-14 06:39:27','May 2010 turned out to be the fifth consecutive month when Belgium’s exports of rough and polished diamonds have increased, according to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. Polished exports in the month rose 4.0 percent to 629,984 carats, and 39.0 percent in value to $920.5 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months, polished exports rose 29.3 percent rise in value to $4.26 billion, and 2.3 percent in volume to 2.95 million carats, as compared to the corresponding five months in 2009.\r\n\r\nThe AWDC notes that buyers are willing to pay higher prices per carat for polished goods, and the rise in demand could be due to restocking at wholesale and retail levels after a considerable period of destocking due to the global recession.\r\n\r\nRough exports in May 2010 rose 64.8 percent to 11.0 million carats and 51.8 percent in value terms to $857.2 million. Like exports, imports of rough diamonds too showed high increases, with the rise in dollar terms indicating that dealers and manufacturers have faith in the continuing rise in prices of rough goods. Rough imports in May 2010 rose 63.7 percent to 8.74 million carats and by 73.6 percent to $705.1 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months of this year, rough imports soared 65.8 percent on the same period of 2009 to 50.4 million carats worth $4.0 billion, a rise of 101.4 percent.\r\n\r\nPolished imports rose 3.3 percent to 612,563 carats in May this year, and 44.7 percent in value to $733.5 million. Between January-May, polished diamond imports increased 3.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.21 million carats worth $3.97 billion, a rise of 28.5 percent. \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5025\" target=\"_blank\" > Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month </a>',' Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month ','','publish','open','open','','belgium%e2%80%99s-polished-and-rough-exports-rise-for-fifth-consecutive-month','','','2010-06-14 06:39:27','2010-06-14 06:39:27','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1031',0,'post','',0),(1032,1,'2010-06-14 06:33:47','2010-06-14 06:33:47','May 2010 turned out to be the fifth consecutive month when Belgium’s exports of rough and polished diamonds have increased, according to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. Polished exports in the month rose 4.0 percent to 629,984 carats, and 39.0 percent in value to $920.5 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months, polished exports rose 29.3 percent rise in value to $4.26 billion, and 2.3 percent in volume to 2.95 million carats, as compared to the corresponding five months in 2009.\n\nThe AWDC notes that buyers are willing to pay higher prices per carat for polished goods, and the rise in demand could be due to restocking at wholesale and retail levels after a considerable period of destocking due to the global recession.\n\nRough exports in May 2010 rose 64.8 percent to 11.0 million carats and 51.8 percent in value terms to $857.2 million. Like exports, imports of rough diamonds too showed high increases, with the rise in dollar terms indicating that dealers and manufacturers have faith in the continuing rise in prices of rough goods. Rough imports in May 2010 rose 63.7 percent to 8.74 million carats and by 73.6 percent to $705.1 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months of this year, rough imports soared 65.8 percent on the same period of 2009 to 50.4 million carats worth $4.0 billion, a rise of 101.4 percent.\n\nPolished imports rose 3.3 percent to 612,563 carats in May this year, and 44.7 percent in value to $733.5 million. Between January-May, polished diamond imports increased 3.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.21 million carats worth $3.97 billion, a rise of 28.5 percent. \n\nREF: <a href=\"http://biggstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" > Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month </a>',' Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month ','','inherit','open','open','','1031-revision','','','2010-06-14 06:33:47','2010-06-14 06:33:47','',1031,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1031-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1033,1,'2010-06-14 06:35:11','2010-06-14 06:35:11','May 2010 turned out to be the fifth consecutive month when Belgium’s exports of rough and polished diamonds have increased, according to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. Polished exports in the month rose 4.0 percent to 629,984 carats, and 39.0 percent in value to $920.5 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months, polished exports rose 29.3 percent rise in value to $4.26 billion, and 2.3 percent in volume to 2.95 million carats, as compared to the corresponding five months in 2009.\r\n\r\nThe AWDC notes that buyers are willing to pay higher prices per carat for polished goods, and the rise in demand could be due to restocking at wholesale and retail levels after a considerable period of destocking due to the global recession.\r\n\r\nRough exports in May 2010 rose 64.8 percent to 11.0 million carats and 51.8 percent in value terms to $857.2 million. Like exports, imports of rough diamonds too showed high increases, with the rise in dollar terms indicating that dealers and manufacturers have faith in the continuing rise in prices of rough goods. Rough imports in May 2010 rose 63.7 percent to 8.74 million carats and by 73.6 percent to $705.1 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months of this year, rough imports soared 65.8 percent on the same period of 2009 to 50.4 million carats worth $4.0 billion, a rise of 101.4 percent.\r\n\r\nPolished imports rose 3.3 percent to 612,563 carats in May this year, and 44.7 percent in value to $733.5 million. Between January-May, polished diamond imports increased 3.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.21 million carats worth $3.97 billion, a rise of 28.5 percent. \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5025\" target=\"_blank\" > Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month </a>',' Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month ','','inherit','open','open','','1031-revision-2','','','2010-06-14 06:35:11','2010-06-14 06:35:11','',1031,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1031-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1034,1,'2010-06-14 06:38:39','2010-06-14 06:38:39','May 2010 turned out to be the fifth consecutive month when Belgium’s exports of rough and polished diamonds have increased, according to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. Polished exports in the month rose 4.0 percent to 629,984 carats, and 39.0 percent in value to $920.5 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months, polished exports rose 29.3 percent rise in value to $4.26 billion, and 2.3 percent in volume to 2.95 million carats, as compared to the corresponding five months in 2009.\r\n\r\nThe AWDC notes that buyers are willing to pay higher prices per carat for polished goods, and the rise in demand could be due to restocking at wholesale and retail levels after a considerable period of destocking due to the global recession.\r\n\r\nRough exports in May 2010 rose 64.8 percent to 11.0 million carats and 51.8 percent in value terms to $857.2 million. Like exports, imports of rough diamonds too showed high increases, with the rise in dollar terms indicating that dealers and manufacturers have faith in the continuing rise in prices of rough goods. Rough imports in May 2010 rose 63.7 percent to 8.74 million carats and by 73.6 percent to $705.1 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months of this year, rough imports soared 65.8 percent on the same period of 2009 to 50.4 million carats worth $4.0 billion, a rise of 101.4 percent.\r\n\r\nPolished imports rose 3.3 percent to 612,563 carats in May this year, and 44.7 percent in value to $733.5 million. Between January-May, polished diamond imports increased 3.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.21 million carats worth $3.97 billion, a rise of 28.5 percent. \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5025\" target=\"_blank\" > Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month </a>',' Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month ','','inherit','open','open','','1031-revision-3','','','2010-06-14 06:38:39','2010-06-14 06:38:39','',1031,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1031-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1035,1,'2010-06-14 06:38:40','2010-06-14 06:38:40','May 2010 turned out to be the fifth consecutive month when Belgium’s exports of rough and polished diamonds have increased, according to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. Polished exports in the month rose 4.0 percent to 629,984 carats, and 39.0 percent in value to $920.5 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months, polished exports rose 29.3 percent rise in value to $4.26 billion, and 2.3 percent in volume to 2.95 million carats, as compared to the corresponding five months in 2009.\r\n\r\nThe AWDC notes that buyers are willing to pay higher prices per carat for polished goods, and the rise in demand could be due to restocking at wholesale and retail levels after a considerable period of destocking due to the global recession.\r\n\r\nRough exports in May 2010 rose 64.8 percent to 11.0 million carats and 51.8 percent in value terms to $857.2 million. Like exports, imports of rough diamonds too showed high increases, with the rise in dollar terms indicating that dealers and manufacturers have faith in the continuing rise in prices of rough goods. Rough imports in May 2010 rose 63.7 percent to 8.74 million carats and by 73.6 percent to $705.1 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months of this year, rough imports soared 65.8 percent on the same period of 2009 to 50.4 million carats worth $4.0 billion, a rise of 101.4 percent.\r\n\r\nPolished imports rose 3.3 percent to 612,563 carats in May this year, and 44.7 percent in value to $733.5 million. Between January-May, polished diamond imports increased 3.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.21 million carats worth $3.97 billion, a rise of 28.5 percent. \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5025\" target=\"_blank\" > Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month </a>',' Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month ','','inherit','open','open','','1031-revision-4','','','2010-06-14 06:38:40','2010-06-14 06:38:40','',1031,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1031-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1036,1,'2010-06-14 06:39:19','2010-06-14 06:39:19','May 2010 turned out to be the fifth consecutive month when Belgium’s exports of rough and polished diamonds have increased, according to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. Polished exports in the month rose 4.0 percent to 629,984 carats, and 39.0 percent in value to $920.5 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months, polished exports rose 29.3 percent rise in value to $4.26 billion, and 2.3 percent in volume to 2.95 million carats, as compared to the corresponding five months in 2009.\r\n\r\nThe AWDC notes that buyers are willing to pay higher prices per carat for polished goods, and the rise in demand could be due to restocking at wholesale and retail levels after a considerable period of destocking due to the global recession.\r\n\r\nRough exports in May 2010 rose 64.8 percent to 11.0 million carats and 51.8 percent in value terms to $857.2 million. Like exports, imports of rough diamonds too showed high increases, with the rise in dollar terms indicating that dealers and manufacturers have faith in the continuing rise in prices of rough goods. Rough imports in May 2010 rose 63.7 percent to 8.74 million carats and by 73.6 percent to $705.1 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months of this year, rough imports soared 65.8 percent on the same period of 2009 to 50.4 million carats worth $4.0 billion, a rise of 101.4 percent.\r\n\r\nPolished imports rose 3.3 percent to 612,563 carats in May this year, and 44.7 percent in value to $733.5 million. Between January-May, polished diamond imports increased 3.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.21 million carats worth $3.97 billion, a rise of 28.5 percent. \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5025\" target=\"_blank\" > Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month </a>',' Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month ','','inherit','open','open','','1031-revision-5','','','2010-06-14 06:39:19','2010-06-14 06:39:19','',1031,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1031-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1037,1,'2010-06-15 07:26:20','2010-06-15 07:26:20','May 2010 turned out to be the fifth consecutive month when Belgium’s exports of rough and polished diamonds have increased, according to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. Polished exports in the month rose 4.0 percent to 629,984 carats, and 39.0 percent in value to $920.5 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months, polished exports rose 29.3 percent rise in value to $4.26 billion, and 2.3 percent in volume to 2.95 million carats, as compared to the corresponding five months in 2009.\r\n\r\nThe AWDC notes that buyers are willing to pay higher prices per carat for polished goods, and the rise in demand could be due to restocking at wholesale and retail levels after a considerable period of destocking due to the global recession.\r\n\r\nRough exports in May 2010 rose 64.8 percent to 11.0 million carats and 51.8 percent in value terms to $857.2 million. Like exports, imports of rough diamonds too showed high increases, with the rise in dollar terms indicating that dealers and manufacturers have faith in the continuing rise in prices of rough goods. Rough imports in May 2010 rose 63.7 percent to 8.74 million carats and by 73.6 percent to $705.1 million, as compared to May 2009. In the first five months of this year, rough imports soared 65.8 percent on the same period of 2009 to 50.4 million carats worth $4.0 billion, a rise of 101.4 percent.\r\n\r\nPolished imports rose 3.3 percent to 612,563 carats in May this year, and 44.7 percent in value to $733.5 million. Between January-May, polished diamond imports increased 3.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.21 million carats worth $3.97 billion, a rise of 28.5 percent. \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5025\" target=\"_blank\" > Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month </a>',' Belgium’s polished and rough exports rise for fifth consecutive month ','','inherit','open','open','','1031-autosave','','','2010-06-15 07:26:20','2010-06-15 07:26:20','',1031,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1031-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1039,1,'2010-06-15 05:59:08','2010-06-15 05:59:08','',' \'Jewelgirls\' debuts to fight human trafficking','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision','','','2010-06-15 05:59:08','2010-06-15 05:59:08','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1040,1,'2010-06-15 06:08:24','2010-06-15 06:08:24','','jewelgirls-debut-to-fight-human-trafficking_biggstock','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.','inherit','open','open','','jewelgirls-debut-to-fight-human-trafficking_biggstock','','','2010-06-15 06:08:24','2010-06-15 06:08:24','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/jewelgirls-debut-to-fight-human-trafficking_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1041,1,'2010-06-15 06:04:41','2010-06-15 06:04:41','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.\n\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.\n\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.\n\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.\n\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.\"\n\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',' \'Jewelgirls\' debuts to fight human trafficking','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision-2','','','2010-06-15 06:04:41','2010-06-15 06:04:41','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1042,1,'2010-06-15 06:09:28','2010-06-15 06:09:28','[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',' \'Jewelgirls\' debuts to fight human trafficking','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision-3','','','2010-06-15 06:09:28','2010-06-15 06:09:28','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1043,1,'2010-06-15 06:10:32','2010-06-15 06:10:32','[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.\n\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.\n\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.\n\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.\n\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.\"\n\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\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://biggstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" >tttttttt</a>',' \'Jewelgirls\' debuts to fight human trafficking','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision-4','','','2010-06-15 06:10:32','2010-06-15 06:10:32','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1044,1,'2010-06-15 06:11:20','2010-06-15 06:11:20','[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','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision-5','','','2010-06-15 06:11:20','2010-06-15 06:11:20','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1045,1,'2010-06-15 06:11:26','2010-06-15 06:11:26','[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','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision-6','','','2010-06-15 06:11:26','2010-06-15 06:11:26','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1046,1,'2010-06-15 06:11:42','2010-06-15 06:11:42','[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','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision-7','','','2010-06-15 06:11:42','2010-06-15 06:11:42','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(1047,1,'2010-06-15 06:17:40','2010-06-15 06:17:40','[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','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision-8','','','2010-06-15 06:17:40','2010-06-15 06:17:40','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(1048,1,'2010-06-15 06:17:46','2010-06-15 06:17:46','[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','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision-9','','','2010-06-15 06:17:46','2010-06-15 06:17:46','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(1049,1,'2010-06-15 06:17:51','2010-06-15 06:17:51','[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','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision-10','','','2010-06-15 06:17:51','2010-06-15 06:17:51','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(1050,1,'2010-06-15 06:18:21','2010-06-15 06:18:21','[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','','inherit','open','open','','1038-revision-11','','','2010-06-15 06:18:21','2010-06-15 06:18:21','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-revision-11',0,'revision','',0),(1051,1,'2010-06-15 07:05:57','2010-06-15 07:05:57','[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','','inherit','open','open','','1038-autosave','','','2010-06-15 07:05:57','2010-06-15 07:05:57','',1038,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1038-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1052,1,'2010-06-15 06:35:15','2010-06-15 06:35:15','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34143\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels</a>','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','publish','open','open','','u-s-polished-diamond-imports-yet-to-regain-pre-crash-levels','','','2010-06-15 06:36:51','2010-06-15 06:36:51','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1052',0,'post','',0),(1053,1,'2010-06-15 06:24:46','2010-06-15 06:24:46','','us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','inherit','open','open','','us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock','','','2010-06-15 06:24:46','2010-06-15 06:24:46','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1054,1,'2010-06-15 06:26:13','2010-06-15 06:26:13','U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\n\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" /></a>[/caption] that there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\n\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\n\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\n\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\n\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million. ','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision','','','2010-06-15 06:26:13','2010-06-15 06:26:13','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1055,1,'2010-06-15 06:26:37','2010-06-15 06:26:37','U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" /></a>[/caption] that there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million. ','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-2','','','2010-06-15 06:26:37','2010-06-15 06:26:37','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1056,1,'2010-06-15 06:26:46','2010-06-15 06:26:46','U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" /></a>[/caption] that there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million. ','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-3','','','2010-06-15 06:26:46','2010-06-15 06:26:46','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1057,1,'2010-06-15 06:26:46','2010-06-15 06:26:46','U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" /></a>[/caption] that there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million. ','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-4','','','2010-06-15 06:26:46','2010-06-15 06:26:46','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1058,1,'2010-06-15 06:28:24','2010-06-15 06:28:24','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-5','','','2010-06-15 06:28:24','2010-06-15 06:28:24','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1059,1,'2010-06-15 06:32:10','2010-06-15 06:32:10','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-6','','','2010-06-15 06:32:10','2010-06-15 06:32:10','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-6',0,'revision','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (1060,1,'2010-06-15 06:33:15','2010-06-15 06:33:15','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\n\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\n\n\n\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\n\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\n\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\n\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\n\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://biggstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels</a>','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-7','','','2010-06-15 06:33:15','2010-06-15 06:33:15','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(1061,1,'2010-06-15 06:33:35','2010-06-15 06:33:35','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34143\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels</a>','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-8','','','2010-06-15 06:33:35','2010-06-15 06:33:35','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(1062,1,'2010-06-15 06:33:43','2010-06-15 06:33:43','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34143\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels</a>','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-9','','','2010-06-15 06:33:43','2010-06-15 06:33:43','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(1063,1,'2010-06-15 06:34:20','2010-06-15 06:34:20','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34143\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels</a>','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-10','','','2010-06-15 06:34:20','2010-06-15 06:34:20','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(1064,1,'2010-06-15 06:34:55','2010-06-15 06:34:55','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34143\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels</a>','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-11','','','2010-06-15 06:34:55','2010-06-15 06:34:55','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-11',0,'revision','',0),(1065,1,'2010-06-15 06:35:15','2010-06-15 06:35:15','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34143\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels</a>','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-12','','','2010-06-15 06:35:15','2010-06-15 06:35:15','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-12',0,'revision','',0),(1066,1,'2010-06-15 06:35:37','2010-06-15 06:35:37','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34143\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels</a>','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-13','','','2010-06-15 06:35:37','2010-06-15 06:35:37','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-13',0,'revision','',0),(1067,1,'2010-06-15 07:20:25','2010-06-15 07:20:25','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34143\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels</a>','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-autosave','','','2010-06-15 07:20:25','2010-06-15 07:20:25','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1068,1,'2010-06-15 06:36:04','2010-06-15 06:36:04','[caption id=\"attachment_1053\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"60\" caption=\"U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1053\" title=\"us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-net-diamond-imports_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"60\" height=\"210\" /></a>[/caption]U.S. net polished diamond imports totaled $374.4 million in April, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Gross imports of $1.35 billion are a 69.6 percent year-over-year increase, yet still 10.8 percent below the value of imports in April 2008\r\n\r\nWhile the diamond industry is expressing its satisfaction from the Las Vegas trade shows, the just released April figures showhttp://blog.biggstock.com/wp-admin/post-new.php\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nthat there is still away to go before the full loss from the 2008-2009 crash is regained.\r\n\r\nIn terms of volume, the U.S. imported 1.04 million carats of polished and exported more than double that amount, 2.13 million carats, for a negative net import value of -1.08 million carats.\r\n\r\nThe average value of gross imports rose 21 percent to $1,292.83 per carat. In April 2008, the average value of imports was $1,617.21 p/c.\r\n\r\nMonth-over-month, Imports declined 12.9 percent in value and 13.1 percent in volume. A decline in imports in April compared to March is a typical annual trend.\r\n\r\nIsrael supplied the U.S. with a net of $265 million in polished diamonds, followed by India with a net of $211.6 million.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34143\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels</a>','U.S. Polished Diamond Imports Yet to Regain Pre-Crash Levels','','inherit','open','open','','1052-revision-14','','','2010-06-15 06:36:04','2010-06-15 06:36:04','',1052,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1052-revision-14',0,'revision','',0),(1069,1,'2010-06-15 06:47:27','2010-06-15 06:47:27','[caption id=\"attachment_1070\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"286\" caption=\"U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-rough-diamond-iimports-$15m-in-april_biggstock\" width=\"286\" height=\"235\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1070\" /></a>[/caption]The U.S. imported $40.5 million worth of rough diamonds in April at an average value of $3,434.11 per carat, a 96.7 percent and 112.7 percent respective increase compared to April 2009. Net imports of $15 million are a 73.9 percent increase compared to last year, based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.\r\n\r\nThe volume of U.S. gross imports decreased 7.5 percent to 11,788 carats.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. exported 81,104 carats of rough diamonds worth $25.5 million with and average value of $314.50 p/c.\r\n\r\nSouth Africa supplied the U.S. $16.3 million worth of rough weighing 1,134 carats at an average value of $14,341.61 p/c. Angola, the second leading supplier of rough diamonds to the U.S., shipped $13.1 million worth of rough at an average value of $5,004.78 p/c.\r\n\r\nThe leading export destinations were Belgium ($11.3 million) and Israel ($6.4 million). \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34144\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April</a>','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','','publish','open','open','','u-s-rough-diamond-imports-15-million-in-april','','','2010-06-15 07:15:53','2010-06-15 07:15:53','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1069',0,'post','',0),(1070,1,'2010-06-15 06:41:07','2010-06-15 06:41:07','','us-rough-diamond-iimports-$15m-in-april_biggstock','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','inherit','open','open','','us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock','','','2010-06-15 06:41:07','2010-06-15 06:41:07','',1069,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1071,1,'2010-06-15 06:38:37','2010-06-15 06:38:37','The U.S. imported $40.5 million worth of rough diamonds in April at an average value of $3,434.11 per carat, a 96.7 percent and 112.7 percent respective increase compared to April 2009. Net imports of $15 million are a 73.9 percent increase compared to last year, based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.\n\n \n\nThe volume of U.S. gross imports decreased 7.5 percent to 11,788 carats.\n\n \n\nThe U.S. exported 81,104 carats of rough diamonds worth $25.5 million with and average value of $314.50 p/c.\n\n \n\nSouth Africa supplied the U.S. $16.3 million worth of rough weighing 1,134 carats at an average value of $14,341.61 p/c. Angola, the second leading supplier of rough diamonds to the U.S., shipped $13.1 million worth of rough at an average value of $5,004.78 p/c.\n\n \n\nThe leading export destinations were Belgium ($11.3 million) and Israel ($6.4 million). ','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','','inherit','open','open','','1069-revision','','','2010-06-15 06:38:37','2010-06-15 06:38:37','',1069,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1069-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1072,1,'2010-06-15 06:42:58','2010-06-15 06:42:58','[caption id=\"attachment_1070\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"286\" caption=\"U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-rough-diamond-iimports-$15m-in-april_biggstock\" width=\"286\" height=\"235\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1070\" /></a>[/caption]The U.S. imported $40.5 million worth of rough diamonds in April at an average value of $3,434.11 per carat, a 96.7 percent and 112.7 percent respective increase compared to April 2009. Net imports of $15 million are a 73.9 percent increase compared to last year, based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.\r\n\r\nThe volume of U.S. gross imports decreased 7.5 percent to 11,788 carats.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. exported 81,104 carats of rough diamonds worth $25.5 million with and average value of $314.50 p/c.\r\n\r\nSouth Africa supplied the U.S. $16.3 million worth of rough weighing 1,134 carats at an average value of $14,341.61 p/c. Angola, the second leading supplier of rough diamonds to the U.S., shipped $13.1 million worth of rough at an average value of $5,004.78 p/c.\r\n\r\nThe leading export destinations were Belgium ($11.3 million) and Israel ($6.4 million). ','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','','inherit','open','open','','1069-revision-2','','','2010-06-15 06:42:58','2010-06-15 06:42:58','',1069,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1069-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1073,1,'2010-06-15 06:42:58','2010-06-15 06:42:58','[caption id=\"attachment_1070\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"286\" caption=\"U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-rough-diamond-iimports-$15m-in-april_biggstock\" width=\"286\" height=\"235\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1070\" /></a>[/caption]The U.S. imported $40.5 million worth of rough diamonds in April at an average value of $3,434.11 per carat, a 96.7 percent and 112.7 percent respective increase compared to April 2009. Net imports of $15 million are a 73.9 percent increase compared to last year, based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.\r\n\r\nThe volume of U.S. gross imports decreased 7.5 percent to 11,788 carats.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. exported 81,104 carats of rough diamonds worth $25.5 million with and average value of $314.50 p/c.\r\n\r\nSouth Africa supplied the U.S. $16.3 million worth of rough weighing 1,134 carats at an average value of $14,341.61 p/c. Angola, the second leading supplier of rough diamonds to the U.S., shipped $13.1 million worth of rough at an average value of $5,004.78 p/c.\r\n\r\nThe leading export destinations were Belgium ($11.3 million) and Israel ($6.4 million). ','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','','inherit','open','open','','1069-revision-3','','','2010-06-15 06:42:58','2010-06-15 06:42:58','',1069,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1069-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1074,1,'2010-06-15 06:44:09','2010-06-15 06:44:09','[caption id=\"attachment_1070\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"286\" caption=\"U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-rough-diamond-iimports-$15m-in-april_biggstock\" width=\"286\" height=\"235\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1070\" /></a>[/caption]The U.S. imported $40.5 million worth of rough diamonds in April at an average value of $3,434.11 per carat, a 96.7 percent and 112.7 percent respective increase compared to April 2009. Net imports of $15 million are a 73.9 percent increase compared to last year, based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.\r\n\r\nThe volume of U.S. gross imports decreased 7.5 percent to 11,788 carats.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. exported 81,104 carats of rough diamonds worth $25.5 million with and average value of $314.50 p/c.\r\n\r\nSouth Africa supplied the U.S. $16.3 million worth of rough weighing 1,134 carats at an average value of $14,341.61 p/c. Angola, the second leading supplier of rough diamonds to the U.S., shipped $13.1 million worth of rough at an average value of $5,004.78 p/c.\r\n\r\nThe leading export destinations were Belgium ($11.3 million) and Israel ($6.4 million). \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34144\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April</a>','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','','inherit','open','open','','1069-revision-4','','','2010-06-15 06:44:09','2010-06-15 06:44:09','',1069,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1069-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1075,1,'2010-06-15 06:47:00','2010-06-15 06:47:00','[caption id=\"attachment_1070\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"286\" caption=\"U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-rough-diamond-iimports-$15m-in-april_biggstock\" width=\"286\" height=\"235\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1070\" /></a>[/caption]The U.S. imported $40.5 million worth of rough diamonds in April at an average value of $3,434.11 per carat, a 96.7 percent and 112.7 percent respective increase compared to April 2009. Net imports of $15 million are a 73.9 percent increase compared to last year, based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.\r\n\r\nThe volume of U.S. gross imports decreased 7.5 percent to 11,788 carats.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. exported 81,104 carats of rough diamonds worth $25.5 million with and average value of $314.50 p/c.\r\n\r\nSouth Africa supplied the U.S. $16.3 million worth of rough weighing 1,134 carats at an average value of $14,341.61 p/c. Angola, the second leading supplier of rough diamonds to the U.S., shipped $13.1 million worth of rough at an average value of $5,004.78 p/c.\r\n\r\nThe leading export destinations were Belgium ($11.3 million) and Israel ($6.4 million). \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34144\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April</a>','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','','inherit','open','open','','1069-revision-5','','','2010-06-15 06:47:00','2010-06-15 06:47:00','',1069,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1069-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1076,1,'2010-06-15 06:47:03','2010-06-15 06:47:03','[caption id=\"attachment_1070\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"286\" caption=\"U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-rough-diamond-iimports-$15m-in-april_biggstock\" width=\"286\" height=\"235\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1070\" /></a>[/caption]The U.S. imported $40.5 million worth of rough diamonds in April at an average value of $3,434.11 per carat, a 96.7 percent and 112.7 percent respective increase compared to April 2009. Net imports of $15 million are a 73.9 percent increase compared to last year, based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.\r\n\r\nThe volume of U.S. gross imports decreased 7.5 percent to 11,788 carats.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. exported 81,104 carats of rough diamonds worth $25.5 million with and average value of $314.50 p/c.\r\n\r\nSouth Africa supplied the U.S. $16.3 million worth of rough weighing 1,134 carats at an average value of $14,341.61 p/c. Angola, the second leading supplier of rough diamonds to the U.S., shipped $13.1 million worth of rough at an average value of $5,004.78 p/c.\r\n\r\nThe leading export destinations were Belgium ($11.3 million) and Israel ($6.4 million). \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34144\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April</a>','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','','inherit','open','open','','1069-revision-6','','','2010-06-15 06:47:03','2010-06-15 06:47:03','',1069,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1069-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1077,1,'2010-06-15 06:47:03','2010-06-15 06:47:03','[caption id=\"attachment_1070\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"286\" caption=\"U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-rough-diamond-iimports-$15m-in-april_biggstock\" width=\"286\" height=\"235\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1070\" /></a>[/caption]The U.S. imported $40.5 million worth of rough diamonds in April at an average value of $3,434.11 per carat, a 96.7 percent and 112.7 percent respective increase compared to April 2009. Net imports of $15 million are a 73.9 percent increase compared to last year, based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.\r\n\r\nThe volume of U.S. gross imports decreased 7.5 percent to 11,788 carats.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. exported 81,104 carats of rough diamonds worth $25.5 million with and average value of $314.50 p/c.\r\n\r\nSouth Africa supplied the U.S. $16.3 million worth of rough weighing 1,134 carats at an average value of $14,341.61 p/c. Angola, the second leading supplier of rough diamonds to the U.S., shipped $13.1 million worth of rough at an average value of $5,004.78 p/c.\r\n\r\nThe leading export destinations were Belgium ($11.3 million) and Israel ($6.4 million). \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34144\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April</a>','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','','inherit','open','open','','1069-revision-7','','','2010-06-15 06:47:03','2010-06-15 06:47:03','',1069,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1069-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(1078,1,'2010-06-15 06:47:05','2010-06-15 06:47:05','[caption id=\"attachment_1070\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"286\" caption=\"U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-rough-diamond-iimports-$15m-in-april_biggstock\" width=\"286\" height=\"235\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1070\" /></a>[/caption]The U.S. imported $40.5 million worth of rough diamonds in April at an average value of $3,434.11 per carat, a 96.7 percent and 112.7 percent respective increase compared to April 2009. Net imports of $15 million are a 73.9 percent increase compared to last year, based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.\r\n\r\nThe volume of U.S. gross imports decreased 7.5 percent to 11,788 carats.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. exported 81,104 carats of rough diamonds worth $25.5 million with and average value of $314.50 p/c.\r\n\r\nSouth Africa supplied the U.S. $16.3 million worth of rough weighing 1,134 carats at an average value of $14,341.61 p/c. Angola, the second leading supplier of rough diamonds to the U.S., shipped $13.1 million worth of rough at an average value of $5,004.78 p/c.\r\n\r\nThe leading export destinations were Belgium ($11.3 million) and Israel ($6.4 million). \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34144\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April</a>','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','','inherit','open','open','','1069-revision-8','','','2010-06-15 06:47:05','2010-06-15 06:47:05','',1069,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1069-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(1079,1,'2010-06-15 07:16:13','2010-06-15 07:16:13','[caption id=\"attachment_1070\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"286\" caption=\"U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/us-rough-diamond-iimports-15m-in-april_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"us-rough-diamond-iimports-$15m-in-april_biggstock\" width=\"286\" height=\"235\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1070\" /></a>[/caption]The U.S. imported $40.5 million worth of rough diamonds in April at an average value of $3,434.11 per carat, a 96.7 percent and 112.7 percent respective increase compared to April 2009. Net imports of $15 million are a 73.9 percent increase compared to last year, based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.\r\n\r\nThe volume of U.S. gross imports decreased 7.5 percent to 11,788 carats.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. exported 81,104 carats of rough diamonds worth $25.5 million with and average value of $314.50 p/c.\r\n\r\nSouth Africa supplied the U.S. $16.3 million worth of rough weighing 1,134 carats at an average value of $14,341.61 p/c. Angola, the second leading supplier of rough diamonds to the U.S., shipped $13.1 million worth of rough at an average value of $5,004.78 p/c.\r\n\r\nThe leading export destinations were Belgium ($11.3 million) and Israel ($6.4 million). \r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=34144\" target=\"_blank\" >U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April</a>','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports $15 Million in April','','inherit','open','open','','1069-autosave','','','2010-06-15 07:16:13','2010-06-15 07:16:13','',1069,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1069-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1092,1,'2010-06-21 10:53:27','2010-06-21 10:53:27','Last December Rachel Bilson traveled to Botswana and South Africa to see the work being done by Russell Simmons\' Diamond Empowerment Fund. Now the actress has created a new bracelet to benefit the cause. [caption id=\"attachment_1093\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"305\" caption=\"The Diamond Empowerment Fund\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock\" width=\"305\" height=\"199\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1093\" /></a>[/caption]The leather bracelet features a 1/6 carat diamond in an Everlon Diamond Knot setting (the latest design from De Beers). The round-cut diamond is set in 14k gold over sterling silver. The bracelet sells for $100 at Macy\'s and $20 from each sale goes to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support the education and empowerment of African people.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Diamond Empowerment Fund was founded in 2007 and first raised money with the selling of a malachite bracelet crowned with a rough diamond. The non-profit international organization raises money to support education initiatives that include the fund\'s first project, the CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The four-year school educates students and sends them back to the townships as teachers. It offers liberal arts education and business classes and the students do all the work at the school except teaching. Profits from Bilson\'s bracelet will help purchase additional student housing for the campus\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/22/rachel-bilson-designs-for-the-diamond-empowerment-fund/\" target=\"_blank\" >Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund</a>	','Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund','','publish','open','open','','rachel-bilson-designs-for-the-diamond-empowerment-fund','','','2010-06-21 10:53:27','2010-06-21 10:53:27','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1092',0,'post','',0),(1093,1,'2010-06-21 10:44:13','2010-06-21 10:44:13','','diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock','The Diamond Empowerment Fund','inherit','open','open','','diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock','','','2010-06-21 10:44:13','2010-06-21 10:44:13','',1092,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1094,1,'2010-06-21 10:40:19','2010-06-21 10:40:19','Last December Rachel Bilson traveled to Botswana and South Africa to see the work being done by Russell Simmons\' Diamond Empowerment Fund. Now the actress has created a new bracelet to benefit the cause. The leather bracelet features a 1/6 carat diamond in an Everlon Diamond Knot setting (the latest design from De Beers). The round-cut diamond is set in 14k gold over sterling silver. The bracelet sells for $100 at Macy\'s and $20 from each sale goes to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support the education and empowerment of African people.\n\nThe Diamond Empowerment Fund was founded in 2007 and first raised money with the selling of a malachite bracelet crowned with a rough diamond. The non-profit international organization raises money to support education initiatives that include the fund\'s first project, the CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The four-year school educates students and sends them back to the townships as teachers. It offers liberal arts education and business classes and the students do all the work at the school except teaching. Profits from Bilson\'s bracelet will help purchase additional student housing for the campus','Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund','','inherit','open','open','','1092-revision','','','2010-06-21 10:40:19','2010-06-21 10:40:19','',1092,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1092-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1095,1,'2010-06-21 10:46:22','2010-06-21 10:46:22','Last December Rachel Bilson traveled to Botswana and South Africa to see the work being done by Russell Simmons\' Diamond Empowerment Fund. Now the actress has created a new bracelet to benefit the cause. [caption id=\"attachment_1093\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"305\" caption=\"The Diamond Empowerment Fund\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock\" width=\"305\" height=\"199\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1093\" /></a>[/caption]The leather bracelet features a 1/6 carat diamond in an Everlon Diamond Knot setting (the latest design from De Beers). The round-cut diamond is set in 14k gold over sterling silver. The bracelet sells for $100 at Macy\'s and $20 from each sale goes to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support the education and empowerment of African people.\n\nThe Diamond Empowerment Fund was founded in 2007 and first raised money with the selling of a malachite bracelet crowned with a rough diamond. The non-profit international organization raises money to support education initiatives that include the fund\'s first project, the CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The four-year school educates students and sends them back to the townships as teachers. It offers liberal arts education and business classes and the students do all the work at the school except teaching. Profits from Bilson\'s bracelet will help purchase additional student housing for the campus\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://biggstock.com\" target=\"_blank\" >tttttttt</a>	','Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund','','inherit','open','open','','1092-revision-2','','','2010-06-21 10:46:22','2010-06-21 10:46:22','',1092,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1092-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1096,1,'2010-06-21 10:47:02','2010-06-21 10:47:02','Last December Rachel Bilson traveled to Botswana and South Africa to see the work being done by Russell Simmons\' Diamond Empowerment Fund. Now the actress has created a new bracelet to benefit the cause. [caption id=\"attachment_1093\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"305\" caption=\"The Diamond Empowerment Fund\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock\" width=\"305\" height=\"199\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1093\" /></a>[/caption]The leather bracelet features a 1/6 carat diamond in an Everlon Diamond Knot setting (the latest design from De Beers). The round-cut diamond is set in 14k gold over sterling silver. The bracelet sells for $100 at Macy\'s and $20 from each sale goes to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support the education and empowerment of African people.\r\n\r\nThe Diamond Empowerment Fund was founded in 2007 and first raised money with the selling of a malachite bracelet crowned with a rough diamond. The non-profit international organization raises money to support education initiatives that include the fund\'s first project, the CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The four-year school educates students and sends them back to the townships as teachers. It offers liberal arts education and business classes and the students do all the work at the school except teaching. Profits from Bilson\'s bracelet will help purchase additional student housing for the campus\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/22/rachel-bilson-designs-for-the-diamond-empowerment-fund/\" target=\"_blank\" >Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund</a>	','Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund','','inherit','open','open','','1092-revision-3','','','2010-06-21 10:47:02','2010-06-21 10:47:02','',1092,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1092-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1097,1,'2010-06-21 10:47:03','2010-06-21 10:47:03','Last December Rachel Bilson traveled to Botswana and South Africa to see the work being done by Russell Simmons\' Diamond Empowerment Fund. Now the actress has created a new bracelet to benefit the cause. [caption id=\"attachment_1093\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"305\" caption=\"The Diamond Empowerment Fund\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock\" width=\"305\" height=\"199\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1093\" /></a>[/caption]The leather bracelet features a 1/6 carat diamond in an Everlon Diamond Knot setting (the latest design from De Beers). The round-cut diamond is set in 14k gold over sterling silver. The bracelet sells for $100 at Macy\'s and $20 from each sale goes to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support the education and empowerment of African people.\r\n\r\nThe Diamond Empowerment Fund was founded in 2007 and first raised money with the selling of a malachite bracelet crowned with a rough diamond. The non-profit international organization raises money to support education initiatives that include the fund\'s first project, the CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The four-year school educates students and sends them back to the townships as teachers. It offers liberal arts education and business classes and the students do all the work at the school except teaching. Profits from Bilson\'s bracelet will help purchase additional student housing for the campus\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/22/rachel-bilson-designs-for-the-diamond-empowerment-fund/\" target=\"_blank\" >Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund</a>	','Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund','','inherit','open','open','','1092-revision-4','','','2010-06-21 10:47:03','2010-06-21 10:47:03','',1092,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1092-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1098,1,'2010-06-21 10:52:35','2010-06-21 10:52:35','Last December Rachel Bilson traveled to Botswana and South Africa to see the work being done by Russell Simmons\' Diamond Empowerment Fund. Now the actress has created a new bracelet to benefit the cause. [caption id=\"attachment_1093\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"305\" caption=\"The Diamond Empowerment Fund\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock\" width=\"305\" height=\"199\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1093\" /></a>[/caption]The leather bracelet features a 1/6 carat diamond in an Everlon Diamond Knot setting (the latest design from De Beers). The round-cut diamond is set in 14k gold over sterling silver. The bracelet sells for $100 at Macy\'s and $20 from each sale goes to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support the education and empowerment of African people.\r\n\r\nThe Diamond Empowerment Fund was founded in 2007 and first raised money with the selling of a malachite bracelet crowned with a rough diamond. The non-profit international organization raises money to support education initiatives that include the fund\'s first project, the CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The four-year school educates students and sends them back to the townships as teachers. It offers liberal arts education and business classes and the students do all the work at the school except teaching. Profits from Bilson\'s bracelet will help purchase additional student housing for the campus\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/22/rachel-bilson-designs-for-the-diamond-empowerment-fund/\" target=\"_blank\" >Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund</a>	','Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund','','inherit','open','open','','1092-revision-5','','','2010-06-21 10:52:35','2010-06-21 10:52:35','',1092,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1092-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1099,1,'2010-06-21 10:52:36','2010-06-21 10:52:36','Last December Rachel Bilson traveled to Botswana and South Africa to see the work being done by Russell Simmons\' Diamond Empowerment Fund. Now the actress has created a new bracelet to benefit the cause. [caption id=\"attachment_1093\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"305\" caption=\"The Diamond Empowerment Fund\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock\" width=\"305\" height=\"199\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1093\" /></a>[/caption]The leather bracelet features a 1/6 carat diamond in an Everlon Diamond Knot setting (the latest design from De Beers). The round-cut diamond is set in 14k gold over sterling silver. The bracelet sells for $100 at Macy\'s and $20 from each sale goes to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support the education and empowerment of African people.\r\n\r\nThe Diamond Empowerment Fund was founded in 2007 and first raised money with the selling of a malachite bracelet crowned with a rough diamond. The non-profit international organization raises money to support education initiatives that include the fund\'s first project, the CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The four-year school educates students and sends them back to the townships as teachers. It offers liberal arts education and business classes and the students do all the work at the school except teaching. Profits from Bilson\'s bracelet will help purchase additional student housing for the campus\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/22/rachel-bilson-designs-for-the-diamond-empowerment-fund/\" target=\"_blank\" >Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund</a>	','Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund','','inherit','open','open','','1092-revision-6','','','2010-06-21 10:52:36','2010-06-21 10:52:36','',1092,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1092-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1100,1,'2010-06-21 10:52:36','2010-06-21 10:52:36','Last December Rachel Bilson traveled to Botswana and South Africa to see the work being done by Russell Simmons\' Diamond Empowerment Fund. Now the actress has created a new bracelet to benefit the cause. [caption id=\"attachment_1093\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"305\" caption=\"The Diamond Empowerment Fund\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock\" width=\"305\" height=\"199\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1093\" /></a>[/caption]The leather bracelet features a 1/6 carat diamond in an Everlon Diamond Knot setting (the latest design from De Beers). The round-cut diamond is set in 14k gold over sterling silver. The bracelet sells for $100 at Macy\'s and $20 from each sale goes to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support the education and empowerment of African people.\r\n\r\nThe Diamond Empowerment Fund was founded in 2007 and first raised money with the selling of a malachite bracelet crowned with a rough diamond. The non-profit international organization raises money to support education initiatives that include the fund\'s first project, the CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The four-year school educates students and sends them back to the townships as teachers. It offers liberal arts education and business classes and the students do all the work at the school except teaching. Profits from Bilson\'s bracelet will help purchase additional student housing for the campus\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/22/rachel-bilson-designs-for-the-diamond-empowerment-fund/\" target=\"_blank\" >Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund</a>	','Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund','','inherit','open','open','','1092-revision-7','','','2010-06-21 10:52:36','2010-06-21 10:52:36','',1092,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1092-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(1101,1,'2010-06-21 10:53:09','2010-06-21 10:53:09','Last December Rachel Bilson traveled to Botswana and South Africa to see the work being done by Russell Simmons\' Diamond Empowerment Fund. Now the actress has created a new bracelet to benefit the cause. [caption id=\"attachment_1093\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"305\" caption=\"The Diamond Empowerment Fund\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\"><img src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"diamond-empowerment-fund_biggstock\" width=\"305\" height=\"199\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1093\" /></a>[/caption]The leather bracelet features a 1/6 carat diamond in an Everlon Diamond Knot setting (the latest design from De Beers). The round-cut diamond is set in 14k gold over sterling silver. The bracelet sells for $100 at Macy\'s and $20 from each sale goes to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support the education and empowerment of African people.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Diamond Empowerment Fund was founded in 2007 and first raised money with the selling of a malachite bracelet crowned with a rough diamond. The non-profit international organization raises money to support education initiatives that include the fund\'s first project, the CIDA City Campus, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The four-year school educates students and sends them back to the townships as teachers. It offers liberal arts education and business classes and the students do all the work at the school except teaching. Profits from Bilson\'s bracelet will help purchase additional student housing for the campus\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/22/rachel-bilson-designs-for-the-diamond-empowerment-fund/\" target=\"_blank\" >Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund</a>	','Rachel Bilson Designs For The Diamond Empowerment Fund','','inherit','open','open','','1092-revision-8','','','2010-06-21 10:53:09','2010-06-21 10:53:09','',1092,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1092-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(1110,1,'2010-06-29 06:49:58','2010-06-29 06:49:58','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5074\" target=\"_blank\"> Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition </a>',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','publish','open','open','','life-sized-%e2%80%98emerald-queen%e2%80%99-elephant-sells-for-150000-at-%e2%80%98emerald-for-elephants%e2%80%99-exhibition','','','2010-06-29 06:51:26','2010-06-29 06:51:26','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1110',0,'post','',0),(1111,1,'2010-06-29 06:39:05','2010-06-29 06:39:05','Emerald for Elephant','emerald-for-elephant_biggstock','','inherit','open','open','','emerald-for-elephant_biggstock','','','2010-06-29 06:39:05','2010-06-29 06:39:05','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1112,1,'2010-06-29 06:40:02','2010-06-29 06:40:02','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\n\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\n\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\n\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision','','','2010-06-29 06:40:02','2010-06-29 06:40:02','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1113,1,'2010-06-29 06:40:25','2010-06-29 06:40:25','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-2','','','2010-06-29 06:40:25','2010-06-29 06:40:25','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1114,1,'2010-06-29 06:40:32','2010-06-29 06:40:32','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-3','','','2010-06-29 06:40:32','2010-06-29 06:40:32','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1115,1,'2010-06-29 06:44:00','2010-06-29 06:44:00','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5074\" target=\"_blank\" > Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition </a>\r\n',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-4','','','2010-06-29 06:44:00','2010-06-29 06:44:00','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1116,1,'2010-06-29 06:45:04','2010-06-29 06:45:04','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\n\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\n\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\n\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.\n\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5074\" target=\"_blank\"> Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition </a>',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-5','','','2010-06-29 06:45:04','2010-06-29 06:45:04','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1117,1,'2010-06-29 06:48:49','2010-06-29 06:48:49','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5074\" target=\"_blank\"> Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition </a>',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-6','','','2010-06-29 06:48:49','2010-06-29 06:48:49','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1118,1,'2010-06-29 06:48:51','2010-06-29 06:48:51','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5074\" target=\"_blank\"> Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition </a>',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-7','','','2010-06-29 06:48:51','2010-06-29 06:48:51','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(1119,1,'2010-06-29 06:48:58','2010-06-29 06:48:58','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5074\" target=\"_blank\"> Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition </a>',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-8','','','2010-06-29 06:48:58','2010-06-29 06:48:58','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(1120,1,'2010-06-29 06:49:03','2010-06-29 06:49:03','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5074\" target=\"_blank\"> Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition </a>',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-9','','','2010-06-29 06:49:03','2010-06-29 06:49:03','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(1121,1,'2010-06-29 06:49:58','2010-06-29 06:49:58','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5074\" target=\"_blank\"> Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition </a>',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-10','','','2010-06-29 06:49:58','2010-06-29 06:49:58','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision-10',0,'revision','',0),(1122,1,'2010-06-29 06:51:01','2010-06-29 06:51:01','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5074\" target=\"_blank\"> Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition </a>',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-11','','','2010-06-29 06:51:01','2010-06-29 06:51:01','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-revision-11',0,'revision','',0),(1123,1,'2010-06-29 06:51:32','2010-06-29 06:51:32','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1111\" title=\"emerald-for-elephant_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/emerald-for-elephant_biggstock.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"163\" height=\"125\" /></a>The ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition, part of the ‘London Elephant Parade’ public art exhibition to raise funds for World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India’s initiative to save critically endangered Asian elephants, concluded with the sale of the most valuable elephant of the parade. The piece, called the ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant featuring 678ct emerald by Gemfields is a life size fiberglass elephant by Sabine Roemer and was auctioned for £150,000, along with eight unique emerald jewellery pieces sold for £517,000.\r\n\r\nNumerous VIP’s and celebrities from the UK and India attended the occasion including Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Mark Shand, Jack Penate, Andrea and Alice Dellal and the owners of Selfridges, Hılary and Galen Weston.\r\n\r\nGemfields supplied Zambian emeralds to eight of the world’s leading designers to create the ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ collection, inspired by the elephants and abundant biodiversity of fauna and flora. The jewellers chosen for the initiative include Gem Palace from India, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell, new talented designer Dominic Jones, all from the UK. The unique Sevan Bicakci from Turkey, Autore by Alessio Boschi, the innovative south sea pearl company from Australia, titanium jeweller Francis Mertens from Belgium, and J.W. Currens who has an award-winning workshop in the US.\r\n\r\nAltogether 250 fibreglass elephants, each 1.4 metre high, are being decorated as part of the London Parade and will be displayed across the capital from May to July, with most elephants being auctioned on the 28th June and 3rd July. The Emerald Queen was the first elephant to be auctioned in the Wonder Room at Selfridges. Funds raised will go to the participating charities.\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5074\" target=\"_blank\"> Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition </a>',' Life sized ‘Emerald Queen’ elephant sells for £150,000 at ‘Emerald for Elephants’ exhibition ','','inherit','open','open','','1110-autosave','','','2010-06-29 06:51:32','2010-06-29 06:51:32','',1110,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1110-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1124,1,'2010-06-29 07:07:48','2010-06-29 07:07:48','<div>\r\n\r\nA tiara encrusted with 178 Rio Tinto’s rare Argyle pink diamonds is one of the rare exhibits at the Masterpieces London Fair, a showcase of such unique pieces. The tiara is displayed by jeweller Asprey.\r\n\r\nIts design sensibilities narrate art from the bygone era shaped in contemporary style, and shows off the varied colours, sizes and shapes of Argyle pink diamonds. The tiara, rare Argyle pink diamonds and pink diamond jewellery are part of the Asprey showcase at Masterpieces, London being held from June 24-29, 2010.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5075\" target=\"blank\"> Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair </a>',' Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair ','','publish','open','open','','argyle-pink-diamond-tiara-showcases-at-masterpieces-london-fair','','','2010-06-29 07:07:48','2010-06-29 07:07:48','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1124',0,'post','',0),(1126,1,'2010-06-29 07:02:22','2010-06-29 07:02:22','<div>\n\nA tiara encrusted with 178 Rio Tinto’s rare Argyle pink diamonds is one of the rare exhibits at the Masterpieces London Fair, a showcase of such unique pieces. The tiara is displayed by jeweller Asprey.\n\nIts design sensibilities narrate art from the bygone era shaped in contemporary style, and shows off the varied colours, sizes and shapes of Argyle pink diamonds. The tiara, rare Argyle pink diamonds and pink diamond jewellery are part of the Asprey showcase at Masterpieces, London being held from June 24-29, 2010.\n\n</div>\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5075\" target=\"blank\"></a>',' Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair ','','inherit','open','open','','1124-revision-2','','','2010-06-29 07:02:22','2010-06-29 07:02:22','',1124,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1124-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1125,1,'2010-06-29 07:01:50','2010-06-29 07:01:50','<div>\n\nA tiara encrusted with 178 Rio Tinto’s rare Argyle pink diamonds is one of the rare exhibits at the Masterpieces London Fair, a showcase of such unique pieces. The tiara is displayed by jeweller Asprey.\n\nIts design sensibilities narrate art from the bygone era shaped in contemporary style, and shows off the varied colours, sizes and shapes of Argyle pink diamonds. The tiara, rare Argyle pink diamonds and pink diamond jewellery are part of the Asprey showcase at Masterpieces, London being held from June 24-29, 2010.\n\nREF: &lt;a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5075\" target=\"blank\"&gt;&lt;&gt;\n\n</div>',' Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair ','','inherit','open','open','','1124-revision','','','2010-06-29 07:01:50','2010-06-29 07:01:50','',1124,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1124-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1127,1,'2010-06-29 07:02:27','2010-06-29 07:02:27','<div>\r\n\r\nA tiara encrusted with 178 Rio Tinto’s rare Argyle pink diamonds is one of the rare exhibits at the Masterpieces London Fair, a showcase of such unique pieces. The tiara is displayed by jeweller Asprey.\r\n\r\nIts design sensibilities narrate art from the bygone era shaped in contemporary style, and shows off the varied colours, sizes and shapes of Argyle pink diamonds. The tiara, rare Argyle pink diamonds and pink diamond jewellery are part of the Asprey showcase at Masterpieces, London being held from June 24-29, 2010.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5075\" target=\"blank\"></a>',' Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair ','','inherit','open','open','','1124-revision-3','','','2010-06-29 07:02:27','2010-06-29 07:02:27','',1124,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1124-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1128,1,'2010-06-29 07:03:14','2010-06-29 07:03:14','<div>\r\n\r\nA tiara encrusted with 178 Rio Tinto’s rare Argyle pink diamonds is one of the rare exhibits at the Masterpieces London Fair, a showcase of such unique pieces. The tiara is displayed by jeweller Asprey.\r\n\r\nIts design sensibilities narrate art from the bygone era shaped in contemporary style, and shows off the varied colours, sizes and shapes of Argyle pink diamonds. The tiara, rare Argyle pink diamonds and pink diamond jewellery are part of the Asprey showcase at Masterpieces, London being held from June 24-29, 2010.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5075\" target=\"blank\"> Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair </a>',' Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair ','','inherit','open','open','','1124-revision-4','','','2010-06-29 07:03:14','2010-06-29 07:03:14','',1124,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1124-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1129,1,'2010-06-29 07:03:16','2010-06-29 07:03:16','<div>\r\n\r\nA tiara encrusted with 178 Rio Tinto’s rare Argyle pink diamonds is one of the rare exhibits at the Masterpieces London Fair, a showcase of such unique pieces. The tiara is displayed by jeweller Asprey.\r\n\r\nIts design sensibilities narrate art from the bygone era shaped in contemporary style, and shows off the varied colours, sizes and shapes of Argyle pink diamonds. The tiara, rare Argyle pink diamonds and pink diamond jewellery are part of the Asprey showcase at Masterpieces, London being held from June 24-29, 2010.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5075\" target=\"blank\"> Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair </a>',' Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair ','','inherit','open','open','','1124-revision-5','','','2010-06-29 07:03:16','2010-06-29 07:03:16','',1124,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1124-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1130,1,'2010-06-29 07:07:31','2010-06-29 07:07:31','<div>\r\n\r\nA tiara encrusted with 178 Rio Tinto’s rare Argyle pink diamonds is one of the rare exhibits at the Masterpieces London Fair, a showcase of such unique pieces. The tiara is displayed by jeweller Asprey.\r\n\r\nIts design sensibilities narrate art from the bygone era shaped in contemporary style, and shows off the varied colours, sizes and shapes of Argyle pink diamonds. The tiara, rare Argyle pink diamonds and pink diamond jewellery are part of the Asprey showcase at Masterpieces, London being held from June 24-29, 2010.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5075\" target=\"blank\"> Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair </a>',' Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair ','','inherit','open','open','','1124-revision-6','','','2010-06-29 07:07:31','2010-06-29 07:07:31','',1124,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1124-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1131,1,'2010-06-29 07:07:35','2010-06-29 07:07:35','<div>\r\n\r\nA tiara encrusted with 178 Rio Tinto’s rare Argyle pink diamonds is one of the rare exhibits at the Masterpieces London Fair, a showcase of such unique pieces. The tiara is displayed by jeweller Asprey.\r\n\r\nIts design sensibilities narrate art from the bygone era shaped in contemporary style, and shows off the varied colours, sizes and shapes of Argyle pink diamonds. The tiara, rare Argyle pink diamonds and pink diamond jewellery are part of the Asprey showcase at Masterpieces, London being held from June 24-29, 2010.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5075\" target=\"blank\"> Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair </a>',' Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair ','','inherit','open','open','','1124-revision-7','','','2010-06-29 07:07:35','2010-06-29 07:07:35','',1124,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1124-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(1132,1,'2010-06-29 07:09:06','2010-06-29 07:09:06','<div>\r\n\r\nA tiara encrusted with 178 Rio Tinto’s rare Argyle pink diamonds is one of the rare exhibits at the Masterpieces London Fair, a showcase of such unique pieces. The tiara is displayed by jeweller Asprey.\r\n\r\nIts design sensibilities narrate art from the bygone era shaped in contemporary style, and shows off the varied colours, sizes and shapes of Argyle pink diamonds. The tiara, rare Argyle pink diamonds and pink diamond jewellery are part of the Asprey showcase at Masterpieces, London being held from June 24-29, 2010.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nREF: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5075\" target=\"blank\"> Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair </a>',' Argyle pink diamond tiara showcases at Masterpieces London Fair ','','inherit','open','open','','1124-autosave','','','2010-06-29 07:09:06','2010-06-29 07:09:06','',1124,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1124-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1133,1,'2010-07-04 11:43:49','2010-07-04 11:43:49','[caption id=\"attachment_1135\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1135 \" title=\"Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nZimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\r\n\r\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\r\n\r\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\r\n\r\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached.\r\n\r\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','Zimbabwe mines minister claims diamond sales approved','','publish','open','open','','zimbabwe-mines-minister-claims-diamond-sales-approved','','','2010-07-04 12:00:42','2010-07-04 12:00:42','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1133',0,'post','',0),(1134,1,'2010-07-04 11:39:08','2010-07-04 11:39:08','<ins datetime=\"2010-07-04T11:27:50+00:00\"></ins> Zimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\n\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\n\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\n\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\n\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\n\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\n\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached. \n\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision','','','2010-07-04 11:39:08','2010-07-04 11:39:08','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1133-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1135,1,'2010-07-04 11:40:32','2010-07-04 11:40:32','Zimbabwe Diamonds Fields In Marange','Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange','Zimbabwe Diamonds Fields In Marange','inherit','open','open','','zimbabwe_diamonds_fields_in_marange','','','2010-07-04 11:40:32','2010-07-04 11:40:32','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1136,1,'2010-07-04 11:39:10','2010-07-04 11:39:10','<ins datetime=\"2010-07-04T11:27:50+00:00\"></ins> Zimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\r\n\r\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\r\n\r\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\r\n\r\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached. \r\n\r\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-2','','','2010-07-04 11:39:10','2010-07-04 11:39:10','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1133-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1137,1,'2010-07-04 11:43:49','2010-07-04 11:43:49','<ins datetime=\"2010-07-04T11:27:50+00:00\"></ins>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1135\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Zimbabwe Diamonds Fields In Marange\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1135\" title=\"Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Zimbabwe Diamonds Fields In Marange\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nZimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\r\n\r\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\r\n\r\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\r\n\r\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached.\r\n\r\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','Zimbabwe mines minister claims diamond sales approved','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-3','','','2010-07-04 11:43:49','2010-07-04 11:43:49','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1133-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1140,1,'2010-07-04 12:00:11','2010-07-04 12:00:11','[caption id=\"attachment_1135\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1135 \" title=\"Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\nZimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\r\n\r\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\r\n\r\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\r\n\r\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached.\r\n\r\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','Zimbabwe mines minister claims diamond sales approved','','inherit','open','open','','1133-autosave','','','2010-07-04 12:00:11','2010-07-04 12:00:11','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1133-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1138,1,'2010-07-04 11:45:39','2010-07-04 11:45:39','<ins datetime=\"2010-07-04T11:27:50+00:00\"></ins>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1135\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1135 \" title=\"Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nZimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\r\n\r\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\r\n\r\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\r\n\r\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached.\r\n\r\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','Zimbabwe mines minister claims diamond sales approved','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-4','','','2010-07-04 11:45:39','2010-07-04 11:45:39','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1133-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1139,1,'2010-07-04 11:45:52','2010-07-04 11:45:52','<ins datetime=\"2010-07-04T11:27:50+00:00\"></ins>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1135\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1135 \" title=\"Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nZimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\r\n\r\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\r\n\r\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\r\n\r\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached.\r\n\r\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','Zimbabwe mines minister claims diamond sales approved','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-5','','','2010-07-04 11:45:52','2010-07-04 11:45:52','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1133-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1141,1,'2010-07-04 11:46:31','2010-07-04 11:46:31','[caption id=\"attachment_1135\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1135 \" title=\"Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n Zimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\r\n\r\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\r\n\r\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\r\n\r\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached.\r\n\r\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','Zimbabwe mines minister claims diamond sales approved','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-6','','','2010-07-04 11:46:31','2010-07-04 11:46:31','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1133-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1142,1,'2010-07-04 11:51:20','2010-07-04 11:51:20',' \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1135\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1135 \" title=\"Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n Zimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\r\n\r\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\r\n\r\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\r\n\r\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached.\r\n\r\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','Zimbabwe mines minister claims diamond sales approved','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-7','','','2010-07-04 11:51:20','2010-07-04 11:51:20','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1133-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(1143,1,'2010-07-04 11:57:48','2010-07-04 11:57:48',' \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1135\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1135 \" title=\"Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n Zimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\r\n\r\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\r\n\r\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\r\n\r\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached.\r\n\r\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','Zimbabwe mines minister claims diamond sales approved','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-8','','','2010-07-04 11:57:48','2010-07-04 11:57:48','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1133-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(1144,1,'2010-07-04 11:59:26','2010-07-04 11:59:26',' [caption id=\"attachment_1135\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1135 \" title=\"Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Zimbabwe_Diamonds_Fields_In_Marange-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Diamonds Fields In Marange, Zimbabwe\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\nZimbabwe mines minister Obert Mpofu claimed that his country\'s cabinet, as well as Israel and the European Union (EU), approved diamond sales from the country. And government agency says it already sold $23m worth in 2010.\r\n\r\n\"It was clear from the meeting that the cabinet agrees with the immediate sale of our diamonds,\" he told the state-run Herald newspaper. Zimbabwe\'s estimated Marange stockpile totals more than 4 million carats worth about $1.7 billion. Mpofu said that he needs to come up with \"a mechanism of proceeding with this [sale] process. The mechanism will be transparent and accountable.\"\r\n\r\nThe mines minister also claimed that his country had met the minimum Kimberley Process (KP) requirements for diamond exportation and thus would sell rough stones through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, as prescribed by the country\'s mandate, with KP certificates.\r\n\r\nEarlier this week, Zimbabwe denied that it was forcing young men and boys to work at the Marange diamond fields, a charge leveled in a U.S. State Department report on human trafficking. The U.S. found that Zimbabwe\'s security forces had coerced youths into forced labor at the fields. Zimbabwe\'s Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, called the report false, however.\r\n\r\n\"It\'s all lies. We are not involved in diamond mining in Chiadzwa,\" he told the Zimbabwe Independent. \"We only have a police post there, just like any diamond mine elsewhere. It\'s all lies; this is a figment of their own imagination.\"\r\n\r\nThe \"Trafficking in Persons\" 2010 report, published this month, concluded that Zimbabwe had not complied with minimum standards by eliminating the practice. The report said that the country\'s government must stop utilizing local populations for forced diamond mining.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. State Department was disappointed that a consensus was not reached on Zimbabwe during the recent KP meeting in Tel Aviv and looked to Zimbabwe to demonstrate progress in implementing the scheme\'s full compliance requirements. The U.S. State Department strongly opposed any attempts to export Marange diamonds before a consensus was reached.\r\n\r\nGiven the mines minister\'s statements, industry members were reminded by World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Avi Paz that they should not purchase diamonds originating from the Marange area until the KP approves these exports. Since export approval has not yet been granted to Zimbabwe, any WFDB member found buying Marange rough will be subject to disciplinary procedures.','Zimbabwe mines minister claims diamond sales approved','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-9','','','2010-07-04 11:59:26','2010-07-04 11:59:26','',1133,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1133-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(1145,1,'2010-05-25 05:08:01','2010-05-25 05:08:01','[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-revision-66','','','2010-05-25 05:08:01','2010-05-25 05:08:01','',170,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/170-revision-66',0,'revision','',0),(1146,1,'2010-05-25 05:17:23','2010-05-25 05:17:23','Do people tell you that you are stupid because you are wearing a gemstone suggested by some astrologer?\r\n\r\nIf they do it again, then you can tell them that there is strong mathematical logic behind astrology that can help people enhance their prospects on the personal &amp; professional front &amp; other than you, there are some really<strong> powerful people</strong> at the top of their game - from <strong>Amitabh Bachchan to Vijay Mallya, who believe in this logic</strong> and wear gemstones that suit them as per their kundli (horoscope).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_243\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"89\" caption=\" Ruby (Panna)\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ruby-red-the-king_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-243\" title=\"ruby-red-the-king_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ruby-red-the-king_biggstock-213x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"89\" height=\"126\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n1. <strong>Ruby (Panna):</strong> Ruby is red in color. It is a powerful stone and it stands for the Sun, the star of the solar system. Ruby helps boost leadership qualities in a person. Though, it might also make you too bossy at times.\r\n\r\nActor Smriti Irani and businessman Anand Mahindra have been seen wearing it on their ring finger.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_246\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"90\" caption=\"Yellow sapphire (Pukhraj)\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/sapphire-emerald_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-246\" title=\"sapphire-emerald_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/sapphire-emerald_biggstock-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"90\" height=\"90\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n2. <strong>Yellow sapphire (Pukhraj):</strong> This is the stone for Jupiter. Jupiter is the planet of wealth and knowledge. Ekta Kapoor can be spotted wearing an extraordinarily large yellow sapphire on her index finger.\r\n\r\nThe stone is very good for business expansion and Ekta has benefited from it enormously.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_249\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Blue sapphire (Neelam)\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/blue_sapphire_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-249\" title=\"blue_sapphire_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/blue_sapphire_biggstock-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n3. <strong>Blue sapphire (Neelam):</strong> Blue Sapphire represents Saturn. Saturn is a very powerful planet and can cause you to rise or fall very rapidly. Superstar Amitabh Bachchan was facing an all-time low in his career when he was suggested to wear blue sapphire on his middle finger. Interestingly, this stone doesn\'t suit everybody.\r\n\r\nFor Amitabh Saturn is his lagna lord and the stone has proved very lucky for him. He wore the stone before signing up for Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) and since then, he has not looked back.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_256\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Blue sapphire (Neelam)\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/emerald_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-256\" title=\"emerald_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/emerald_biggstock-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n4. <strong>Emerald (Panna):</strong> Green in colour, the emerald is symbolic of Mercury and is worn on the little finger. Mercury is the lord of communication. If it suits you, then it can further your communications skills and memory power. The stone also avoids delays and brings speedy achievements.\r\n\r\nActor Shilpa Shetty wears this stone. She achieved instant fame and recognition at a global level after wearing it.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_257\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Diamond (Heera)\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/diamond_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-257\" title=\"diamond_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/diamond_biggstock-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n5. <strong>Diamond (Heera):</strong> Diamond is for Venus and can help better personal life and sex drive. It can be especially beneficial for people who do no have a relationship and are looking for one. Diamond usually helps improve the standard of life in terms of luxury and fame.\r\n\r\nIt\'s the favourite stone among women and many wear it even without being suggested by an astrologer.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_258\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"120\" caption=\"Coral (Moonga)\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/coral-gemstone_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-258\" title=\"coral_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/coral-gemstone_biggstock-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n6. <strong>Coral (Moonga):</strong> Coral is red in colour and is worn on the ring finger. It is the stone for Mars. It can really help people who are timid and have problem expressing themselves in public. Otherwise the stone can help develop a strong and assertive attitude with people.\r\n\r\nEkta Kapoor wears a coral other than the yellow sapphire.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_259\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"105\" caption=\"Pearl (Moti)\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/pearl_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-259\" title=\"pearl_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/pearl_biggstock-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"105\" height=\"105\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n7. <strong>Pearl</strong><strong> (Moti):</strong> Pearl is symbolic of the Moon, representing the mind, imagination and creativity. It is suppose to have a calming effect on the wearer who may be very aggressive by nature.\r\n\r\nGujarat\'s CM Narendra Modi is most often seen wearing a pearl on his little finger.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_260\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"84\" caption=\"Hessonite (Gomedak)\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/hessonite_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-260\" title=\"hessonite_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/hessonite_biggstock-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"84\" height=\"84\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n8. <strong>Hessonite (Gomedak):</strong> It is the stone of the shadow planet Rahu. People with a weak Rahu are very indecisive and lack focus and direction in life. The stone can help them overcome this state.\r\n\r\nActor Irfan Khan has been spotted wearing Hessonite on his middle finger.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"63\" caption=\"Cat&#39;s eye (Lahsuniya)\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/catseye_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-261\" title=\"catseye_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/catseye_biggstock-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"63\" height=\"63\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n9. <strong>Cat\'s eye (Lahsuniya):</strong> The stone is for another shadow planet Ketu. It helps remove negativity and combat stiff rivals and competition.\r\n\r\nSinger Kumar Sanu has been seen wearing the same.\r\n\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_262\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"460\" caption=\"GEMSTONE: The best gift\"]<strong><strong><a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/celebrity-gemstone_biggstock.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-262\" title=\"celebrity &amp; gemstone_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/celebrity-gemstone_biggstock.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"297\" /></a></strong></strong>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Celebrities &amp; their gemstones: </strong>\r\n\r\nSalman Khan wears a turquoise bracelet to ward off evil and come out unscathed from danger. Abhishek Bachchan wears a blue sapphire on his middle finger and an emerald on his little finger. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wears an emerald on the middle finger and a large diamond\r\n\r\nREF: <a href=\" http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_it-s-all-in-your-gems_1357480 \" target=\"_blank\"> It\'s all in your gems </a>','It\'s All In Your Gems','','inherit','open','open','','616-revision-6','','','2010-05-25 05:17:23','2010-05-25 05:17:23','',616,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/616-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1147,1,'2010-07-04 12:58:34','2010-07-04 12:58:34','The board of directors for the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) elected Nishit Parikh to serve as its president for the next two years. Parikh, 44, is a citizen of Belgium, but was born in  Navsari, India. He  heads Diarough, which employs 50 people in Antwerp and is a Diamond Trading Company (DTC) sightholder. \r\n\r\nThe board also elected two vice presidents to serve alongside Parikh: Philippe Barsamian, who is a representative of the Antwerp diamond bourses, and Stéphane Fischler, who represents the manufacturers’ associations.\r\n\r\nParikh was one of six of the AWDC’s 12-person board of directors to be elected by direct election on June 16 and is currently serving his second term as an AWDC director, having first been elected in 2006. \r\n\r\n“We congratulate Mr. Nishit Parikh upon his election as AWDC president,” said Freddy J. Hanard, the chief executive officer (CEO) of AWDC. “With his intimate knowledge of the diamond business and his long record of public service, he comes well equipped to fill this role. And with his dedication to the continued strength of the Antwerp center, we are confident that, just like his predecessors, he will loyally defend the interests of all the sectors that make up our business community.”','AWDC Elects Parikh as President','','publish','open','open','','awdc-elects-parikh-as-president','','','2010-07-04 12:58:34','2010-07-04 12:58:34','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1147',0,'post','',0),(1148,1,'2010-07-04 12:46:06','2010-07-04 12:46:06','','AWDC Elects Parikh as President','','inherit','open','open','','1147-revision','','','2010-07-04 12:46:06','2010-07-04 12:46:06','',1147,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1147-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1149,1,'2010-07-05 09:44:19','2010-07-05 09:44:19','A 12-hour strike has been called today across many parts of India to protest recent fuel price hikes. Various opposition parties called for the 6:00 am to 6:00 pm “bandh,” which has seriously affected rail, bus and air services, causing disruption to many business sectors and educational establishments.\r\n \r\n\r\nIn Mumbai, India’s diamond trading center, more than 40,000 police officers have been deployed across the city to quell the violence. Despite these measures, more than 50 buses have been damaged by protesters. In addition, the threat of violence was keeping taxis and auto rickshaws off the roads, preventing many people from reaching their places of employment, reported.\r\n \r\nThe site also said that 46 domestic departures and 40 arrivals have been canceled at Mumbai airport.\r\nStone-throwing incidents have been reported in Surat, the heart of India’s diamond-polishing industry. According to Bloomberg, all of the major national highways, connecting Gujarat (the state in which Surat is located) with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have been closed completely, leading to further disruption.\r\n','Fuel Price Strike Hits India, Many Businesses Shut','','publish','open','open','','fuel-price-strike-hits-india-many-businesses-shut','','','2010-07-05 09:44:19','2010-07-05 09:44:19','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1149',0,'post','',0),(1150,1,'2010-07-05 09:43:05','2010-07-05 09:43:05','A 12-hour strike has been called today across many parts of India to protest recent fuel price hikes. Various opposition parties called for the 6:00 am to 6:00 pm “bandh,” which has seriously affected rail, bus and air services, causing disruption to many business sectors and educational establishments.\n \n\nIn Mumbai, India’s diamond trading center, more than 40,000 police officers have been deployed across the city to quell the violence. Despite these measures, more than 50 buses have been damaged by protesters. In addition, the threat of violence was keeping taxis and auto rickshaws off the roads, preventing many people from reaching their places of employment, reported.\n \nThe site also said that 46 domestic departures and 40 arrivals have been canceled at Mumbai airport.\nStone-throwing incidents have been reported in Surat, the heart of India’s diamond-polishing industry. According to Bloomberg, all of the major national highways, connecting Gujarat (the state in which Surat is located) with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have been closed completely, leading to further disruption.\n','Fuel Price Strike Hits India, Many Businesses Shut','','inherit','open','open','','1149-revision','','','2010-07-05 09:43:05','2010-07-05 09:43:05','',1149,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1149-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1151,1,'2010-07-05 09:47:47','2010-07-05 09:47:47','The National Retail Federation (NRF) is applauding introduction of federal legislation that would make it easier for states to require that online retailers and other out-of-state merchants collect sales tax just like brick-and-mortar stores.\r\n \r\nTraditional retailers were dealt a blow in 1992 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Quill v. North Dakota that retailers are required to collect sales tax from out-of-state customers only if they have a physical presence, meaning a store, warehouse or office, in that customer\'s state. The court ruled that the 45 state and 7,600 local sales tax systems made it too difficult for a retailer to know how much sales tax to collect.\r\n\r\nAccording to a news release from the NRF, on Wednesday, Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.) introduced H.R. 5660, the \"Main Street Fairness Act.\" The legislation would allow the 24 states that have adopted the \"Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement,\" an agreement designed to simplify sales tax laws created in reaction to the Supreme Court\'s 2002 decision, to require out-of-state sellers to collect tax, whether they have a physical presence of any kind in the state or not.\r\n\r\nAccording to the release, the act establishes uniform definitions of taxable items, sets up mechanisms to facilitate collection and distribution of sales tax across state lines and provides software and free databases to retailers that tells them how much tax to charge.\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34208\">Idexonline</a>','Congressman Intros Internet Sales Tax Bill','','publish','open','open','','congressman-intros-internet-sales-tax-bill','','','2010-07-05 09:47:47','2010-07-05 09:47:47','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1151',0,'post','',0),(1152,1,'2010-07-05 09:46:33','2010-07-05 09:46:33','The National Retail Federation (NRF) is applauding introduction of federal legislation that would make it easier for states to require that online retailers and other out-of-state merchants collect sales tax just like brick-and-mortar stores.\n \nTraditional retailers were dealt a blow in 1992 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Quill v. North Dakota that retailers are required to collect sales tax from out-of-state customers only if they have a physical presence, meaning a store, warehouse or office, in that customer\'s state. The court ruled that the 45 state and 7,600 local sales tax systems made it too difficult for a retailer to know how much sales tax to collect.\n\nAccording to a news release from the NRF, on Wednesday, Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.) introduced H.R. 5660, the \"Main Street Fairness Act.\" The legislation would allow the 24 states that have adopted the \"Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement,\" an agreement designed to simplify sales tax laws created in reaction to the Supreme Court\'s 2002 decision, to require out-of-state sellers to collect tax, whether they have a physical presence of any kind in the state or not.\n\nAccording to the release, the act establishes uniform definitions of taxable items, sets up mechanisms to facilitate collection and distribution of sales tax across state lines and provides software and free databases to retailers that tells them how much tax to charge.\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34208\">Idexonline</a>','Congressman Intros Internet Sales Tax Bill','','inherit','open','open','','1151-revision','','','2010-07-05 09:46:33','2010-07-05 09:46:33','',1151,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1151-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1153,1,'2010-07-05 09:49:32','2010-07-05 09:49:32','Retail expansion plans are surfacing at Malabar Gold, a leading Indian jewellery retailer. The company is considering setting up altogether 22 stores within India and West Asia, within this year, reports say. Project investment is estimated at Rs. 250 crore.\r\n\r\nReports further add that the company is chalking out a pricing strategy ‘One State, One Rate\' with which it will implement a single gold rate system within a state. At present there are 38 Malabar Gold stores in India and the Gulf. \r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5106\">IdexOnline</a>','Malabar Gold (Indian jewellery retailer)plans retail expansion ','','publish','open','open','','malabar-gold-indian-jewellery-retailerplans-retail-expansion','','','2010-07-05 09:50:03','2010-07-05 09:50:03','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1153',0,'post','',0),(1154,1,'2010-07-05 09:48:36','2010-07-05 09:48:36','','Malabar Gold (Indian jewellery retailer)plans retail expansion ','','inherit','open','open','','1153-revision','','','2010-07-05 09:48:36','2010-07-05 09:48:36','',1153,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1153-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1155,1,'2010-07-05 09:49:32','2010-07-05 09:49:32','Retail expansion plans are surfacing at Malabar Gold, a leading Indian jewellery retailer. The company is considering setting up altogether 22 stores within India and West Asia, within this year, reports say. Project investment is estimated at Rs. 250 crore.\r\n\r\nReports further add that the company is chalking out a pricing strategy ‘One State, One Rate\' with which it will implement a single gold rate system within a state. At present there are 38 Malabar Gold stores in India and the Gulf. ','Malabar Gold (Indian jewellery retailer)plans retail expansion ','','inherit','open','open','','1153-revision-2','','','2010-07-05 09:49:32','2010-07-05 09:49:32','',1153,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1153-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1156,1,'2010-07-05 09:53:47','2010-07-05 09:53:47','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"568\" height=\"362\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\r\n\r\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\r\n\r\nWe 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 above graph summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','publish','open','open','','idex-online-research-polished-diamond-prices-continue-to-rise-in-june','','','2010-07-05 10:06:48','2010-07-05 10:06:48','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1156',0,'post','',0),(1157,1,'2010-07-05 09:52:07','2010-07-05 09:52:07','','PP_June_Summary_biggstock','','inherit','open','open','','pp_june_summary_biggstock','','','2010-07-05 09:52:07','2010-07-05 09:52:07','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif',0,'attachment','image/gif',0),(1158,1,'2010-07-05 09:52:35','2010-07-05 09:52:35','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock-150x150.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\n\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\n\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\n\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\n\nWe 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.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','inherit','open','open','','1156-revision','','','2010-07-05 09:52:35','2010-07-05 09:52:35','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1156-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1159,1,'2010-07-05 09:53:19','2010-07-05 09:53:19','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock-150x150.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\n\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\n\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\n\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\n\nWe 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.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','inherit','open','open','','1156-revision-2','','','2010-07-05 09:53:19','2010-07-05 09:53:19','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1156-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1160,1,'2010-07-05 09:53:24','2010-07-05 09:53:24','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock-150x150.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\r\n\r\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\r\n\r\nWe 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.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','inherit','open','open','','1156-revision-3','','','2010-07-05 09:53:24','2010-07-05 09:53:24','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1156-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1161,1,'2010-07-05 09:53:47','2010-07-05 09:53:47','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock-150x150.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\r\n\r\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\r\n\r\nWe 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.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','inherit','open','open','','1156-revision-4','','','2010-07-05 09:53:47','2010-07-05 09:53:47','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1156-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1162,1,'2010-07-05 09:54:28','2010-07-05 09:54:28','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock-150x150.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"489\" height=\"350\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\r\n\r\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\r\n\r\nWe 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.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','inherit','open','open','','1156-revision-5','','','2010-07-05 09:54:28','2010-07-05 09:54:28','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1156-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1163,1,'2010-07-05 10:07:58','2010-07-05 10:07:58','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"568\" height=\"362\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\n\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\n\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\n\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\n\nWe 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 above graph summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','inherit','open','open','','1156-autosave','','','2010-07-05 10:07:58','2010-07-05 10:07:58','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1156-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1164,1,'2010-07-05 09:54:42','2010-07-05 09:54:42','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock-150x150.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"550\" height=\"350\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\r\n\r\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\r\n\r\nWe 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.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','inherit','open','open','','1156-revision-6','','','2010-07-05 09:54:42','2010-07-05 09:54:42','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1156-revision-6',0,'revision','',0),(1165,1,'2010-07-05 09:55:51','2010-07-05 09:55:51','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"568\" height=\"362\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\r\n\r\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\r\n\r\nWe 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.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','inherit','open','open','','1156-revision-7','','','2010-07-05 09:55:51','2010-07-05 09:55:51','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1156-revision-7',0,'revision','',0),(1166,1,'2010-07-05 09:57:08','2010-07-05 09:57:08','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"568\" height=\"362\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\r\n\r\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\r\n\r\nWe 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 above graph summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','inherit','open','open','','1156-revision-8','','','2010-07-05 09:57:08','2010-07-05 09:57:08','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1156-revision-8',0,'revision','',0),(1167,1,'2010-07-05 09:58:42','2010-07-05 09:58:42','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1157\" title=\"PP_June_Summary_biggstock\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PP_June_Summary_biggstock.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"568\" height=\"362\" /></a>Global polished diamond prices rebounded to their highest level in 19 months during June. The IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index rose to 117.2 for June; it last stood at this level near the end of 2008.\r\n\r\nJune’s IDEX Online Index indicates that diamond prices have recovered almost half of their precipitous decline that occurred in 2009. Global polished diamond prices bottomed at 108 during the summer and early fall of 2009, about 8 percent below their current level. At its height, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index stood at just above 128 in August 2008, about 9 percent higher than today’s average prices.\r\n\r\nSince June 2009, the IDEX Online Polished Price Index has risen by 7.7 percent; based on average prices during June 2010, it has risen by 0.6 percent on a month-to-month basis – June versus May 2010.\r\n\r\nOn a day-to-day basis in June, the IDEX Online Polished Diamond Price Index spiked around June 11, retreated, and then rose again from June 20 to 24, with a modest pull-back for the balance of the month. First 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. While consumer confidence has fallen, historically there is little correlation between retail sales and consumer confidence. In fact, in the U.S., there is an old adage: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”\r\n\r\nWe 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 above graph summarizes the IDEX Online Polished Price Index performance over the past two years.','IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Continue to Rise in June','','inherit','open','open','','1156-revision-9','','','2010-07-05 09:58:42','2010-07-05 09:58:42','',1156,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1156-revision-9',0,'revision','',0),(1168,1,'2010-07-16 17:19:35','2010-07-16 17:19:35','<p dir=\"ltr\">An in-depth comparison by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), between their internal methods to determine the cut grade of a round diamond a<strong></strong>nd Sarin’s new implementation of the Facetware database, shows highly compatible results between the two methods, according to Sarin Technologies Ltd.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To evaluate compatibility, GIA measured more than 14,000 stones, randomly se<strong></strong>lected during their diamond grading processes at various geographic locations, using Sarin’s DiaMension platform with version 5.0 of the DiaVision software. The measured data were processed twice – once by the GIA’s internal software and once by Sarin’s software.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Comparison of the results showed that 99.8 percent were identical for the proportion-based and brilliancy-variation aspects of the cut grade evaluation, a significant improvement over cut grade estimates from previous versions.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In addition, prediction of the effect on the cut grade from girdle minimum and maximum and culet size showed 98 percent agreement with reported desc<strong></strong>riptions of these parameters.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">GIA introduced a new standard for cut grading of round brilliant diamonds in 2006 and uses a proprietary software package to assess it — a combination of proportion data measured by Sarin’s DiaMension, an analysis of variations affecting brilliancy (also called painting o<strong></strong>r digging out), and other visually evaluated parameters - polish, symmetry, girdle minimum and maximum and culet size.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Sarin has recently completed improvements to the implementation of the optional Facetware package in its DiaMension and DiaVision products to exactly match GIA’s methodology for calculating the proportion parameters, evaluating the brilliancy variations, and predicting the girdle and culet sizes.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ref: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34249\" target=\"_blank\">IdexOnline</a></p>','GIA Tests Cut Grade Software, Sarin’s Facetware Scores High','','publish','open','open','','gia-tests-cut-grade-software-sarin%e2%80%99s-facetware-scores-high','','','2010-07-16 17:30:03','2010-07-16 17:30:03','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1168',0,'post','',0),(1169,1,'2010-07-16 17:17:20','2010-07-16 17:17:20','<p dir=\"ltr\">An in-depth comparison by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), between their internal methods to determine the cut grade of a round diamond a<strong></strong>nd Sarin’s new implementation of the Facetware database, shows highly compatible results between the two methods, according to Sarin Technologies Ltd.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"> </p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To evaluate compatibility, GIA measured more than 14,000 stones, randomly se<strong></strong>lected during their diamond grading processes at various geographic locations, using Sarin’s DiaMension platform with version 5.0 of the DiaVision software. The measured data were processed twice – once by the GIA’s internal software and once by Sarin’s software.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"> </p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Comparison of the results showed that 99.8 percent were identical for the proportion-based and brilliancy-variation aspects of the cut grade evaluation, a significant improvement over cut grade estimates from previous versions.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In addition, prediction of the effect on the cut grade from girdle minimum and maximum and culet size showed 98 percent agreement with reported desc<strong></strong>riptions of these parameters.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">GIA introduced a new standard for cut grading of round brilliant diamonds in 2006 and uses a proprietary software package to assess it — a combination of proportion data measured by Sarin’s DiaMension, an analysis of variations affecting brilliancy (also called painting o<strong></strong>r digging out), and other visually evaluated parameters - polish, symmetry, girdle minimum and maximum and culet size.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Sarin has recently completed improvements to the implementation of the optional Facetware package in its DiaMension and DiaVision products to exactly match GIA’s methodology for calculating the proportion parameters, evaluating the brilliancy variations, and predicting the girdle and culet sizes.</p>','GIA Tests Cut Grade Software, Sarin’s Facetware Scores High','','inherit','open','open','','1168-revision','','','2010-07-16 17:17:20','2010-07-16 17:17:20','',1168,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1168-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1170,1,'2010-07-16 17:18:35','2010-07-16 17:18:35','<p dir=\"ltr\">An in-depth comparison by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), between their internal methods to determine the cut grade of a round diamond a<strong></strong>nd Sarin’s new implementation of the Facetware database, shows highly compatible results between the two methods, according to Sarin Technologies Ltd.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To evaluate compatibility, GIA measured more than 14,000 stones, randomly se<strong></strong>lected during their diamond grading processes at various geographic locations, using Sarin’s DiaMension platform with version 5.0 of the DiaVision software. The measured data were processed twice – once by the GIA’s internal software and once by Sarin’s software.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Comparison of the results showed that 99.8 percent were identical for the proportion-based and brilliancy-variation aspects of the cut grade evaluation, a significant improvement over cut grade estimates from previous versions.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In addition, prediction of the effect on the cut grade from girdle minimum and maximum and culet size showed 98 percent agreement with reported desc<strong></strong>riptions of these parameters.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">GIA introduced a new standard for cut grading of round brilliant diamonds in 2006 and uses a proprietary software package to assess it — a combination of proportion data measured by Sarin’s DiaMension, an analysis of variations affecting brilliancy (also called painting o<strong></strong>r digging out), and other visually evaluated parameters - polish, symmetry, girdle minimum and maximum and culet size.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Sarin has recently completed improvements to the implementation of the optional Facetware package in its DiaMension and DiaVision products to exactly match GIA’s methodology for calculating the proportion parameters, evaluating the brilliancy variations, and predicting the girdle and culet sizes.</p>','GIA Tests Cut Grade Software, Sarin’s Facetware Scores High','','inherit','open','open','','1168-revision-2','','','2010-07-16 17:18:35','2010-07-16 17:18:35','',1168,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1168-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1171,1,'2010-07-16 17:19:35','2010-07-16 17:19:35','<p dir=\"ltr\">An in-depth comparison by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), between their internal methods to determine the cut grade of a round diamond a<strong></strong>nd Sarin’s new implementation of the Facetware database, shows highly compatible results between the two methods, according to Sarin Technologies Ltd.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To evaluate compatibility, GIA measured more than 14,000 stones, randomly se<strong></strong>lected during their diamond grading processes at various geographic locations, using Sarin’s DiaMension platform with version 5.0 of the DiaVision software. The measured data were processed twice – once by the GIA’s internal software and once by Sarin’s software.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Comparison of the results showed that 99.8 percent were identical for the proportion-based and brilliancy-variation aspects of the cut grade evaluation, a significant improvement over cut grade estimates from previous versions.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In addition, prediction of the effect on the cut grade from girdle minimum and maximum and culet size showed 98 percent agreement with reported desc<strong></strong>riptions of these parameters.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">GIA introduced a new standard for cut grading of round brilliant diamonds in 2006 and uses a proprietary software package to assess it — a combination of proportion data measured by Sarin’s DiaMension, an analysis of variations affecting brilliancy (also called painting o<strong></strong>r digging out), and other visually evaluated parameters - polish, symmetry, girdle minimum and maximum and culet size.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Sarin has recently completed improvements to the implementation of the optional Facetware package in its DiaMension and DiaVision products to exactly match GIA’s methodology for calculating the proportion parameters, evaluating the brilliancy variations, and predicting the girdle and culet sizes.</p>','GIA Tests Cut Grade Software, Sarin’s Facetware Scores High','','inherit','open','open','','1168-revision-3','','','2010-07-16 17:19:35','2010-07-16 17:19:35','',1168,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1168-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1172,1,'2010-07-16 17:26:43','2010-07-16 17:26:43','<p dir=\"ltr\">An in-depth comparison by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), between their internal methods to determine the cut grade of a round diamond a<strong></strong>nd Sarin’s new implementation of the Facetware database, shows highly compatible results between the two methods, according to Sarin Technologies Ltd.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To evaluate compatibility, GIA measured more than 14,000 stones, randomly se<strong></strong>lected during their diamond grading processes at various geographic locations, using Sarin’s DiaMension platform with version 5.0 of the DiaVision software. The measured data were processed twice – once by the GIA’s internal software and once by Sarin’s software.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Comparison of the results showed that 99.8 percent were identical for the proportion-based and brilliancy-variation aspects of the cut grade evaluation, a significant improvement over cut grade estimates from previous versions.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In addition, prediction of the effect on the cut grade from girdle minimum and maximum and culet size showed 98 percent agreement with reported desc<strong></strong>riptions of these parameters.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">GIA introduced a new standard for cut grading of round brilliant diamonds in 2006 and uses a proprietary software package to assess it — a combination of proportion data measured by Sarin’s DiaMension, an analysis of variations affecting brilliancy (also called painting o<strong></strong>r digging out), and other visually evaluated parameters - polish, symmetry, girdle minimum and maximum and culet size.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Sarin has recently completed improvements to the implementation of the optional Facetware package in its DiaMension and DiaVision products to exactly match GIA’s methodology for calculating the proportion parameters, evaluating the brilliancy variations, and predicting the girdle and culet sizes.</p>','GIA Tests Cut Grade Software, Sarin’s Facetware Scores High','','inherit','open','open','','1168-revision-4','','','2010-07-16 17:26:43','2010-07-16 17:26:43','',1168,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1168-revision-4',0,'revision','',0),(1173,1,'2010-07-16 17:28:54','2010-07-16 17:28:54','<p dir=\"ltr\">An in-depth comparison by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), between their internal methods to determine the cut grade of a round diamond a<strong></strong>nd Sarin’s new implementation of the Facetware database, shows highly compatible results between the two methods, according to Sarin Technologies Ltd.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To evaluate compatibility, GIA measured more than 14,000 stones, randomly se<strong></strong>lected during their diamond grading processes at various geographic locations, using Sarin’s DiaMension platform with version 5.0 of the DiaVision software. The measured data were processed twice – once by the GIA’s internal software and once by Sarin’s software.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Comparison of the results showed that 99.8 percent were identical for the proportion-based and brilliancy-variation aspects of the cut grade evaluation, a significant improvement over cut grade estimates from previous versions.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In addition, prediction of the effect on the cut grade from girdle minimum and maximum and culet size showed 98 percent agreement with reported desc<strong></strong>riptions of these parameters.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">GIA introduced a new standard for cut grading of round brilliant diamonds in 2006 and uses a proprietary software package to assess it — a combination of proportion data measured by Sarin’s DiaMension, an analysis of variations affecting brilliancy (also called painting o<strong></strong>r digging out), and other visually evaluated parameters - polish, symmetry, girdle minimum and maximum and culet size.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Sarin has recently completed improvements to the implementation of the optional Facetware package in its DiaMension and DiaVision products to exactly match GIA’s methodology for calculating the proportion parameters, evaluating the brilliancy variations, and predicting the girdle and culet sizes.</p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ref: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34249\" target=\"_blank\">IdexOnline</a></p>','GIA Tests Cut Grade Software, Sarin’s Facetware Scores High','','inherit','open','open','','1168-autosave','','','2010-07-16 17:28:54','2010-07-16 17:28:54','',1168,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1168-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1174,1,'2010-07-16 17:27:49','2010-07-16 17:27:49','<p dir=\"ltr\">An in-depth comparison by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), between their internal methods to determine the cut grade of a round diamond a<strong></strong>nd Sarin’s new implementation of the Facetware database, shows highly compatible results between the two methods, according to Sarin Technologies Ltd.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To evaluate compatibility, GIA measured more than 14,000 stones, randomly se<strong></strong>lected during their diamond grading processes at various geographic locations, using Sarin’s DiaMension platform with version 5.0 of the DiaVision software. The measured data were processed twice – once by the GIA’s internal software and once by Sarin’s software.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Comparison of the results showed that 99.8 percent were identical for the proportion-based and brilliancy-variation aspects of the cut grade evaluation, a significant improvement over cut grade estimates from previous versions.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In addition, prediction of the effect on the cut grade from girdle minimum and maximum and culet size showed 98 percent agreement with reported desc<strong></strong>riptions of these parameters.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">GIA introduced a new standard for cut grading of round brilliant diamonds in 2006 and uses a proprietary software package to assess it — a combination of proportion data measured by Sarin’s DiaMension, an analysis of variations affecting brilliancy (also called painting o<strong></strong>r digging out), and other visually evaluated parameters - polish, symmetry, girdle minimum and maximum and culet size.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Sarin has recently completed improvements to the implementation of the optional Facetware package in its DiaMension and DiaVision products to exactly match GIA’s methodology for calculating the proportion parameters, evaluating the brilliancy variations, and predicting the girdle and culet sizes.</p>\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ref: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34249\" target=\"_blank\">IdexOnline</a></p>','GIA Tests Cut Grade Software, Sarin’s Facetware Scores High','','inherit','open','open','','1168-revision-5','','','2010-07-16 17:27:49','2010-07-16 17:27:49','',1168,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1168-revision-5',0,'revision','',0),(1175,1,'2010-07-16 17:32:40','2010-07-16 17:32:40','A case of extortion of noted Indian jeweller Mahesh Notandas, led to three gangsters entering the Andheri (w) branch of the store and firing at its manager. The manager has endured serious injuries, reports say. Following a police complaint, the jeweller is given security cover, although he had previously refused the same last month despite receiving extortion calls in the past few months, reports say.\r\n\r\nThe police are reported to be making progress in the case, and identify it as the act of a local gangster gang Ravi Pujari, which has been undertaking extortion of businessmen, reports say. This is the third firing incident reported against the gang in the western suburbs, which has drawn the attention of the Mumbai police commissioner Sanjeev Dayal, who visited the police station where Notandas’s complaint is filed. Efforts are on to bring the matter under control.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5138\" target=\"_blank\">DiamondWorld.net</a>','Gangster firing at Mahesh Notandas store in Mumbai','','publish','open','open','','gangster-firing-at-mahesh-notandas-store-in-mumbai','','','2010-07-16 17:35:09','2010-07-16 17:35:09','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1175',0,'post','',0),(1176,1,'2010-07-16 17:32:34','2010-07-16 17:32:34','A case of extortion of noted Indian jeweller Mahesh Notandas, led to three gangsters entering the Andheri (w) branch of the store and firing at its manager. The manager has endured serious injuries, reports say. Following a police complaint, the jeweller is given security cover, although he had previously refused the same last month despite receiving extortion calls in the past few months, reports say.\n\nThe police are reported to be making progress in the case, and identify it as the act of a local gangster gang Ravi Pujari, which has been undertaking extortion of businessmen, reports say. This is the third firing incident reported against the gang in the western suburbs, which has drawn the attention of the Mumbai police commissioner Sanjeev Dayal, who visited the police station where Notandas’s complaint is filed. Efforts are on to bring the matter under control.\n\nRef: DiamondWorld.net','Gangster firing at Mahesh Notandas store in Mumbai','','inherit','open','open','','1175-revision','','','2010-07-16 17:32:34','2010-07-16 17:32:34','',1175,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1175-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1177,1,'2010-07-16 17:36:15','2010-07-16 17:36:15','A case of extortion of noted Indian jeweller Mahesh Notandas, led to three gangsters entering the Andheri (w) branch of the store and firing at its manager. The manager has endured serious injuries, reports say. Following a police complaint, the jeweller is given security cover, although he had previously refused the same last month despite receiving extortion calls in the past few months, reports say.\n\nThe police are reported to be making progress in the case, and identify it as the act of a local gangster gang Ravi Pujari, which has been undertaking extortion of businessmen, reports say. This is the third firing incident reported against the gang in the western suburbs, which has drawn the attention of the Mumbai police commissioner Sanjeev Dayal, who visited the police station where Notandas’s complaint is filed. Efforts are on to bring the matter under control.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5138\" target=\"_blank\">DiamondWorld.net</a>','Gangster firing at Mahesh Notandas store in Mumbai','','inherit','open','open','','1175-autosave','','','2010-07-16 17:36:15','2010-07-16 17:36:15','',1175,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1175-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1178,1,'2010-07-16 17:32:40','2010-07-16 17:32:40','A case of extortion of noted Indian jeweller Mahesh Notandas, led to three gangsters entering the Andheri (w) branch of the store and firing at its manager. The manager has endured serious injuries, reports say. Following a police complaint, the jeweller is given security cover, although he had previously refused the same last month despite receiving extortion calls in the past few months, reports say.\r\n\r\nThe police are reported to be making progress in the case, and identify it as the act of a local gangster gang Ravi Pujari, which has been undertaking extortion of businessmen, reports say. This is the third firing incident reported against the gang in the western suburbs, which has drawn the attention of the Mumbai police commissioner Sanjeev Dayal, who visited the police station where Notandas’s complaint is filed. Efforts are on to bring the matter under control.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5138\" target=\"_blank\">DiamondWorld.net</a>','Gangster firing at Mahesh Notandas store in Mumbai','','inherit','open','open','','1175-revision-2','','','2010-07-16 17:32:40','2010-07-16 17:32:40','',1175,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1175-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1179,1,'2010-07-16 17:48:08','2010-07-16 17:48:08','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1180\" title=\"Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"258\" height=\"157\" /></a>Botswana, a leading diamond producing country, exported $255.1 million worth of diamonds in May, according to recent figures released by the Bank of Botswana. The country’s exports increased 9.2 percent compared to April when it exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first five months of 2010, Botswana’s diamond exports totaled$1.25 billion. Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of goods in the first quarter of 2010.\r\n\r\nThe African country mainly exports rough diamonds; however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34251\" target=\"_blank\">IdexOnline</a>','Botswana’s Diamond Exports Continue to Rise','','publish','open','open','','botswana%e2%80%99s-diamond-exports-continue-to-rise','','','2010-07-16 17:48:45','2010-07-16 17:48:45','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1179',0,'post','',0),(1180,1,'2010-07-16 17:47:25','2010-07-16 17:47:25','','Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web','','inherit','open','open','','debswana-lethlakane_mine-web','','','2010-07-16 17:47:25','2010-07-16 17:47:25','',1179,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1181,1,'2010-07-16 17:43:40','2010-07-16 17:43:40','<span><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Botswana, a leading diamond producing country, exported $255.1 million worth of diamonds in May, according to recent figures released by the Bank of Botswana. The country’s exports increased 9.2 percent compared to April when it exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds.</span></span>','Botswana’s Diamond Exports Continue to Rise','','inherit','open','open','','1179-revision','','','2010-07-16 17:43:40','2010-07-16 17:43:40','',1179,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1179-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1182,1,'2010-07-16 17:48:08','2010-07-16 17:48:08','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1180\" title=\"Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"258\" height=\"157\" /></a>Botswana, a leading diamond producing country, exported $255.1 million worth of diamonds in May, according to recent figures released by the Bank of Botswana. The country’s exports increased 9.2 percent compared to April when it exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds.\r\n\r\nIn the first five months of 2010, Botswana’s diamond exports totaled$1.25 billion. Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of goods in the first quarter of 2010.\r\n\r\nThe African country mainly exports rough diamonds; however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.','Botswana’s Diamond Exports Continue to Rise','','inherit','open','open','','1179-revision-2','','','2010-07-16 17:48:08','2010-07-16 17:48:08','',1179,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1179-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1183,1,'2010-07-16 17:49:50','2010-07-16 17:49:50','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1180\" title=\"Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Debswana-Lethlakane_mine-web.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"258\" height=\"157\" /></a>Botswana, a leading diamond producing country, exported $255.1 million worth of diamonds in May, according to recent figures released by the Bank of Botswana. The country’s exports increased 9.2 percent compared to April when it exported $233.6 million worth of diamonds.\n\nIn the first five months of 2010, Botswana’s diamond exports totaled$1.25 billion. Botswana exported $476.9 million worth of goods in the first quarter of 2010.\n\nThe African country mainly exports rough diamonds; however, as part of a beneficiation agreement with De Beers, there are a number of polishing facilities in the country that manufacture locally mined goods. The export figures include exports of polished diamonds.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34251\" target=\"_blank\">IdexOnline</a>','Botswana’s Diamond Exports Continue to Rise','','inherit','open','open','','1179-autosave','','','2010-07-16 17:49:50','2010-07-16 17:49:50','',1179,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1179-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1184,1,'2010-07-16 17:51:58','2010-07-16 17:51:58','The Kimberley Process reached an agreement that will enable the renewal of rough diamond exports from the Marange diamond fields in Zimbabwe.  The consensus agreement included NGOs, governments and industry representatives, which in itself was a \"breakthrough,\" said Eli Izhakoff, president of the World Diamond Council (WDC). Even while this mini-session for Kimberley Process members focused on Zimbabwe, the group did not address redefining \"blood diamonds,\" which remains open for debate. \r\n\r\nIzhakoff added that Zimbabwe\'s rough exports would not have an immediate effect on the market given that the quantity is rather small in the scheme of things.\r\n\r\nKimberley Process monitor Abbey Chikane will return to Zimbabwe in early August to certify rough produced since May 28, 2010, by Mbada and Canadile at the Marange. He\'ll return again in September to certify a new round of production. \r\n\r\n\"The procedure will continue until the requirements of the [joint working group compliance plan] signed in Namibia [in November 2009] will be met,\" said Boaz Hirsch, chair of the Kimberley Process. \"Those diamonds that were produced before the 28th of May will go through special forensic examination. This would be done by review mission that will exercise the decision of Kimberley. It will include at least six members including, U.S., E.U., Australia and others.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to the agreement, which was reached in St. Petersburg today, by September 2010, Zimbabwe would then have carried out two supervised exports of rough diamonds from the Marange.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, during Chikane\'s visit in August, the Kimberley Process will conduct a review mission to Zimbabwe and pay yet another visit the week of September 6 to certify a second round of rough exports. The Kimberley Process monitoring committee will review the report issued by the review mission to formulate a position regarding future exports.\r\n \r\n\"If this is a victory for anyone, it is a victory for the Kimberly Process,\" said  Hirsch. \"The past several months have been difficult, but they have clearly demonstrated that not only does the Kimberley Process have teeth, it also is able to achieve results.\"\r\n \r\n\"Although we can regard this as progress, there remains much to do,\" said Izhakoff. \"Although the discussions were often intense, a great deal of good will was shown. We need to build on this and to continue the hard work of the past several months.\"\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31737\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Zimbabwe Can Export Rough','','publish','open','open','','zimbabwe-can-export-rough','','','2010-07-16 17:52:32','2010-07-16 17:52:32','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1184',0,'post','',0),(1185,1,'2010-07-16 17:51:50','2010-07-16 17:51:50','The Kimberley Process reached an agreement that will enable the renewal of rough diamond exports from the Marange diamond fields in Zimbabwe.  The consensus agreement included NGOs, governments and industry representatives, which in itself was a \"breakthrough,\" said Eli Izhakoff, president of the World Diamond Council (WDC). Even while this mini-session for Kimberley Process members focused on Zimbabwe, the group did not address redefining \"blood diamonds,\" which remains open for debate. \n\nIzhakoff added that Zimbabwe\'s rough exports would not have an immediate effect on the market given that the quantity is rather small in the scheme of things.\n\nKimberley Process monitor Abbey Chikane will return to Zimbabwe in early August to certify rough produced since May 28, 2010, by Mbada and Canadile at the Marange. He\'ll return again in September to certify a new round of production. \n\n\"The procedure will continue until the requirements of the [joint working group compliance plan] signed in Namibia [in November 2009] will be met,\" said Boaz Hirsch, chair of the Kimberley Process. \"Those diamonds that were produced before the 28th of May will go through special forensic examination. This would be done by review mission that will exercise the decision of Kimberley. It will include at least six members including, U.S., E.U., Australia and others.\"\n\nAccording to the agreement, which was reached in St. Petersburg today, by September 2010, Zimbabwe would then have carried out two supervised exports of rough diamonds from the Marange.\n\nFurthermore, during Chikane\'s visit in August, the Kimberley Process will conduct a review mission to Zimbabwe and pay yet another visit the week of September 6 to certify a second round of rough exports. The Kimberley Process monitoring committee will review the report issued by the review mission to formulate a position regarding future exports.\n \n\"If this is a victory for anyone, it is a victory for the Kimberly Process,\" said  Hirsch. \"The past several months have been difficult, but they have clearly demonstrated that not only does the Kimberley Process have teeth, it also is able to achieve results.\"\n \n\"Although we can regard this as progress, there remains much to do,\" said Izhakoff. \"Although the discussions were often intense, a great deal of good will was shown. We need to build on this and to continue the hard work of the past several months.\"\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31737\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Zimbabwe Can Export Rough','','inherit','open','open','','1184-revision','','','2010-07-16 17:51:50','2010-07-16 17:51:50','',1184,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1184-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1186,1,'2010-07-16 17:51:58','2010-07-16 17:51:58','The Kimberley Process reached an agreement that will enable the renewal of rough diamond exports from the Marange diamond fields in Zimbabwe.  The consensus agreement included NGOs, governments and industry representatives, which in itself was a \"breakthrough,\" said Eli Izhakoff, president of the World Diamond Council (WDC). Even while this mini-session for Kimberley Process members focused on Zimbabwe, the group did not address redefining \"blood diamonds,\" which remains open for debate. \r\n\r\nIzhakoff added that Zimbabwe\'s rough exports would not have an immediate effect on the market given that the quantity is rather small in the scheme of things.\r\n\r\nKimberley Process monitor Abbey Chikane will return to Zimbabwe in early August to certify rough produced since May 28, 2010, by Mbada and Canadile at the Marange. He\'ll return again in September to certify a new round of production. \r\n\r\n\"The procedure will continue until the requirements of the [joint working group compliance plan] signed in Namibia [in November 2009] will be met,\" said Boaz Hirsch, chair of the Kimberley Process. \"Those diamonds that were produced before the 28th of May will go through special forensic examination. This would be done by review mission that will exercise the decision of Kimberley. It will include at least six members including, U.S., E.U., Australia and others.\"\r\n\r\nAccording to the agreement, which was reached in St. Petersburg today, by September 2010, Zimbabwe would then have carried out two supervised exports of rough diamonds from the Marange.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, during Chikane\'s visit in August, the Kimberley Process will conduct a review mission to Zimbabwe and pay yet another visit the week of September 6 to certify a second round of rough exports. The Kimberley Process monitoring committee will review the report issued by the review mission to formulate a position regarding future exports.\r\n \r\n\"If this is a victory for anyone, it is a victory for the Kimberly Process,\" said  Hirsch. \"The past several months have been difficult, but they have clearly demonstrated that not only does the Kimberley Process have teeth, it also is able to achieve results.\"\r\n \r\n\"Although we can regard this as progress, there remains much to do,\" said Izhakoff. \"Although the discussions were often intense, a great deal of good will was shown. We need to build on this and to continue the hard work of the past several months.\"\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31737\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Zimbabwe Can Export Rough','','inherit','open','open','','1184-revision-2','','','2010-07-16 17:51:58','2010-07-16 17:51:58','',1184,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1184-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1187,1,'2010-07-16 17:57:35','2010-07-16 17:57:35','The WFDB and International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) urged participants to engage in more responsible trading practices and to specifically adopt a cautious attitude toward credit and the accumulation of inventory, during the 34th World Diamond Congress. Sergey Oulin, president of the Russian Diamond Chamber, said the industry is now better prepared to deal with the difficult situation of an inflated market, the signs of which, he says, are similar to those that were apparent two years ago. Tightening inventory is generally regarded as a way to secure oneself in a “volatile market,” a phrase used by a number of the Congress\' participants. \r\n\r\nDione Kenyon from the Jewelers Board of Trade said that manufacturers and dealers should adapt to these new realities, which include tighter profit margins and increased regulations from government bodies. She also said the industry needs to be more transparent, responsible and open to sharing information with each other.\r\n\r\nReducing the time period over which wholesalers pay for merchandise was another issue of concern for dealers and diamond jewelry makers. The WFDB leaders called upon members to implement policies that greatly reduced memo sales and to avoid lengthy credit terms.\r\n\r\nThe WFDB also welcomed the South Korea Diamond Exchange to its fold. \r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31738\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Adapt to New Reality: Tighten Credit and Inventory','','publish','open','open','','adapt-to-new-reality-tighten-credit-and-inventory','','','2010-07-16 17:57:35','2010-07-16 17:57:35','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1187',0,'post','',0),(1188,1,'2010-07-16 17:57:27','2010-07-16 17:57:27','The WFDB and International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) urged participants to engage in more responsible trading practices and to specifically adopt a cautious attitude toward credit and the accumulation of inventory, during the 34th World Diamond Congress. Sergey Oulin, president of the Russian Diamond Chamber, said the industry is now better prepared to deal with the difficult situation of an inflated market, the signs of which, he says, are similar to those that were apparent two years ago. Tightening inventory is generally regarded as a way to secure oneself in a “volatile market,” a phrase used by a number of the Congress\' participants. \n\nDione Kenyon from the Jewelers Board of Trade said that manufacturers and dealers should adapt to these new realities, which include tighter profit margins and increased regulations from government bodies. She also said the industry needs to be more transparent, responsible and open to sharing information with each other.\n\nReducing the time period over which wholesalers pay for merchandise was another issue of concern for dealers and diamond jewelry makers. The WFDB leaders called upon members to implement policies that greatly reduced memo sales and to avoid lengthy credit terms.\n\nThe WFDB also welcomed the South Korea Diamond Exchange to its fold. \n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31738\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Adapt to New Reality: Tighten Credit and Inventory','','inherit','open','open','','1187-revision','','','2010-07-16 17:57:27','2010-07-16 17:57:27','',1187,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1187-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1189,1,'2010-07-16 17:58:42','2010-07-16 17:58:42','The WFDB and International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) urged participants to engage in more responsible trading practices and to specifically adopt a cautious attitude toward credit and the accumulation of inventory, during the 34th World Diamond Congress. Sergey Oulin, president of the Russian Diamond Chamber, said the industry is now better prepared to deal with the difficult situation of an inflated market, the signs of which, he says, are similar to those that were apparent two years ago. Tightening inventory is generally regarded as a way to secure oneself in a “volatile market,” a phrase used by a number of the Congress\' participants. \n\nDione Kenyon from the Jewelers Board of Trade said that manufacturers and dealers should adapt to these new realities, which include tighter profit margins and increased regulations from government bodies. She also said the industry needs to be more transparent, responsible and open to sharing information with each other.\n\nReducing the time period over which wholesalers pay for merchandise was another issue of concern for dealers and diamond jewelry makers. The WFDB leaders called upon members to implement policies that greatly reduced memo sales and to avoid lengthy credit terms.\n\nThe WFDB also welcomed the South Korea Diamond Exchange to its fold. \n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31738\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Adapt to New Reality: Tighten Credit and Inventory','','inherit','open','open','','1187-autosave','','','2010-07-16 17:58:42','2010-07-16 17:58:42','',1187,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1187-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1190,1,'2010-07-16 18:07:48','2010-07-16 18:07:48','The Russian State Treasury may sell between $500 million and $800 million of rough diamonds so that rough prices won\'t go up due to both speculative demand and the shortage of rough. Russia bought $1 billion of rough in 2009 to support ALROSA, so now the government is planning its commercial strategy to sell by the end of the year. It was not yet clear how the sales would take place, although ALROSA insists that its sales model is contingent on long-term contracts. \r\n\r\nThe concern over the shortage of rough and the negative impact of selling though auctions was voiced at recent committee meetings of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB). Shmuel Schnitzer, the honorary lifetime president of the Israel Diamond Exchange, called auctions one of the “sicknesses” of the industry. \r\n\r\n“This moves small- and medium-sized companies out of the industry,” he said.','Russia Prepares to Sell Stockpile','','publish','open','open','','russia-prepares-to-sell-stockpile','','','2010-07-16 18:07:48','2010-07-16 18:07:48','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1190',0,'post','',0),(1191,1,'2010-07-16 18:06:58','2010-07-16 18:06:58','The Russian State Treasury may sell between $500 million and $800 million of rough diamonds so that rough prices won\'t go up due to both speculative demand and the shortage of rough. Russia bought $1 billion of rough in 2009 to support ALROSA, so now the government is planning its commercial strategy to sell by the end of the year. It was not yet clear how the sales would take place, although ALROSA insists that its sales model is contingent on long-term contracts. \n\nThe concern over the shortage of rough and the negative impact of selling though auctions was voiced at recent committee meetings of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB). Shmuel Schnitzer, the honorary lifetime president of the Israel Diamond Exchange, called auctions one of the “sicknesses” of the industry. \n\n“This moves small- and medium-sized companies out of the industry,” he said.','Russia Prepares to Sell Stockpile','','inherit','open','open','','1190-revision','','','2010-07-16 18:06:58','2010-07-16 18:06:58','',1190,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1190-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1192,1,'2010-07-16 18:08:52','2010-07-16 18:08:52','The Russian State Treasury may sell between $500 million and $800 million of rough diamonds so that rough prices won\'t go up due to both speculative demand and the shortage of rough. Russia bought $1 billion of rough in 2009 to support ALROSA, so now the government is planning its commercial strategy to sell by the end of the year. It was not yet clear how the sales would take place, although ALROSA insists that its sales model is contingent on long-term contracts. \n\nThe concern over the shortage of rough and the negative impact of selling though auctions was voiced at recent committee meetings of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB). Shmuel Schnitzer, the honorary lifetime president of the Israel Diamond Exchange, called auctions one of the “sicknesses” of the industry. \n\n“This moves small- and medium-sized companies out of the industry,” he said.','Russia Prepares to Sell Stockpile','','inherit','open','open','','1190-autosave','','','2010-07-16 18:08:52','2010-07-16 18:08:52','',1190,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1190-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1193,1,'2010-07-16 18:13:49','2010-07-16 18:13:49','<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Gross rough diamond imports by the U.S. totaled $61.4 million in May, their highest level since October 2008. The rise in gross rough imports was a sharp one in May, rising 155.4 percent year-over-year and 51.8 percent compared to last April. Net trade figures show that rough diamond exports continues to exceed imports when measured by volume.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Demand for diamonds by U.S. traders coincided with the strong demand that existed in May in other global centers, most notably Antwerp.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The average value of gross imports was $2,350.67 per carat, 247 percent higher than what was paid the year before.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In terms of volume, the conundrum continued. The U.S. imported 26,138 carats of gem quality goods and exported 48,719 carats, nearly twice as much as was imported. The average value of exports, $906.10 p/c, is unusually high. In the past exports averaged $200-$360 p/c.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In value, the U.S. exported $44.2 million worth of rough diamonds, bringing net exports by value to $17.3 million.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Most of the rough diamond exports - 29,074 carats with an average value of $174 per carat - were to Belgium.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ref: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34260\" target=\"_blank\">IdexOnline</a></p>','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports Rise in May','','publish','open','open','','u-s-rough-diamond-imports-rise-in-may','','','2010-07-16 18:13:49','2010-07-16 18:13:49','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1193',0,'post','',0),(1194,1,'2010-07-16 18:12:28','2010-07-16 18:12:28','<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Gross rough diamond imports by the U.S. totaled $61.4 million in May, their highest level since October 2008. The rise in gross rough imports was a sharp one in May, rising 155.4 percent year-over-year and 51.8 percent compared to last April. Net trade figures show that rough diamond exports continues to exceed imports when measured by volume.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Demand for diamonds by U.S. traders coincided with the strong demand that existed in May in other global centers, most notably Antwerp.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The average value of gross imports was $2,350.67 per carat, 247 percent higher than what was paid the year before.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In terms of volume, the conundrum continued. The U.S. imported 26,138 carats of gem quality goods and exported 48,719 carats, nearly twice as much as was imported. The average value of exports, $906.10 p/c, is unusually high. In the past exports averaged $200-$360 p/c.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In value, the U.S. exported $44.2 million worth of rough diamonds, bringing net exports by value to $17.3 million.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Most of the rough diamond exports - 29,074 carats with an average value of $174 per carat - were to Belgium.</p>','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports Rise in May','','inherit','open','open','','1193-revision','','','2010-07-16 18:12:28','2010-07-16 18:12:28','',1193,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1193-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1195,1,'2010-07-16 18:14:54','2010-07-16 18:14:54','<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Gross rough diamond imports by the U.S. totaled $61.4 million in May, their highest level since October 2008. The rise in gross rough imports was a sharp one in May, rising 155.4 percent year-over-year and 51.8 percent compared to last April. Net trade figures show that rough diamond exports continues to exceed imports when measured by volume.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Demand for diamonds by U.S. traders coincided with the strong demand that existed in May in other global centers, most notably Antwerp.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The average value of gross imports was $2,350.67 per carat, 247 percent higher than what was paid the year before.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In terms of volume, the conundrum continued. The U.S. imported 26,138 carats of gem quality goods and exported 48,719 carats, nearly twice as much as was imported. The average value of exports, $906.10 p/c, is unusually high. In the past exports averaged $200-$360 p/c.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In value, the U.S. exported $44.2 million worth of rough diamonds, bringing net exports by value to $17.3 million.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Most of the rough diamond exports - 29,074 carats with an average value of $174 per carat - were to Belgium.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ref: <a href=\"http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34260\" target=\"_blank\">IdexOnline</a></p>','U.S. Rough Diamond Imports Rise in May','','inherit','open','open','','1193-autosave','','','2010-07-16 18:14:54','2010-07-16 18:14:54','',1193,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1193-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1200,1,'2010-08-03 19:28:33','2010-08-03 19:28:33','<div>\r\n\r\nDamas’  financial position at the end of 12-month fiscal year closing March 31,  2010, stood at net loss worth $519.8 million, while the previous fiscal  had ended with profit worth $61.8 million. Revenues decreased by 31  percent to $899.3 million, impairment losses valued $215.3 million,  while there was a provision for doubtful loan worth $84.8 million in the  fiscal.\r\n\r\nThe company identified the loss as a result of  management issues relating to the unauthorised withdrawals by the three  Abdullah brothers, during the economic recession that depleted funds,  and rising gold prices in the year, which further impacted revenues.\r\n\r\nIn the fiscal gone by, Tawhid Abdulla was asked to resign as Damas\' top  executive, following his unauthorised transactions which are yet to be  reimbursed to the company.\r\n\r\nThe company is reportedly working ways to bring its financial position in order and restructuring its operations.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5185\" target=\"_blank\">Diamondworld.net</a>\r\n\r\n</div>','Damas’ fiscal year ends in a net loss','','publish','open','open','','damas%e2%80%99-fiscal-year-ends-in-a-net-loss','','','2010-08-03 19:28:33','2010-08-03 19:28:33','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1200',0,'post','',0),(1197,1,'2010-07-26 06:56:33','2010-07-26 06:56:33','<div>\r\n\r\nDe  Beer’s chief executive officer (CEO) Gareth Penny, has announced his  resignation, and will step down in the coming months, concluding his  five years at head of the company. Having led the company during the  recession and subsequent recovery, Penny stated it was the right time  for him to step down.\r\n\r\nWhile the Board noted Penny\'s \"substantial  contribution\", Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers Group praised  Penny as a \"passionate and effective leader.\" The mining major has  announced that Chief Financial Officer Stuart Brown and Chief Commercial  Officer Bruce Cleaver will serve as acting joint-CEOs until a new CEO  is appointed.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5159\" target=\"_blank\">DiamondWorld.net</a>\r\n\r\n</div>','De Beers\' CEO, Gareth Penny resigns','','publish','open','open','','de-beers-ceo-gareth-penny-resigns','','','2010-07-26 06:57:13','2010-07-26 06:57:13','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1197',0,'post','',0),(1198,1,'2010-07-26 06:56:15','2010-07-26 06:56:15','<div>\n\nDe  Beer’s chief executive officer (CEO) Gareth Penny, has announced his  resignation, and will step down in the coming months, concluding his  five years at head of the company. Having led the company during the  recession and subsequent recovery, Penny stated it was the right time  for him to step down.\n\nWhile the Board noted Penny\'s \"substantial  contribution\", Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers Group praised  Penny as a \"passionate and effective leader.\" The mining major has  announced that Chief Financial Officer Stuart Brown and Chief Commercial  Officer Bruce Cleaver will serve as acting joint-CEOs until a new CEO  is appointed.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5159\" target=\"_blank\">DiamondWorld.net</a>\n\n</div>','De Beers\' CEO, Gareth Penny resigns','','inherit','open','open','','1197-revision','','','2010-07-26 06:56:15','2010-07-26 06:56:15','',1197,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1197-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1199,1,'2010-07-26 06:56:33','2010-07-26 06:56:33','<div>\r\n\r\nDe  Beer’s chief executive officer (CEO) Gareth Penny, has announced his  resignation, and will step down in the coming months, concluding his  five years at head of the company. Having led the company during the  recession and subsequent recovery, Penny stated it was the right time  for him to step down.\r\n\r\nWhile the Board noted Penny\'s \"substantial  contribution\", Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers Group praised  Penny as a \"passionate and effective leader.\" The mining major has  announced that Chief Financial Officer Stuart Brown and Chief Commercial  Officer Bruce Cleaver will serve as acting joint-CEOs until a new CEO  is appointed.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5159\" target=\"_blank\">DiamondWorld.net</a>\r\n\r\n</div>','De Beers\' CEO, Gareth Penny resigns','','inherit','open','open','','1197-revision-2','','','2010-07-26 06:56:33','2010-07-26 06:56:33','',1197,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1197-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1201,1,'2010-08-03 19:27:40','2010-08-03 19:27:40','<div>\n\nDamas’  financial position at the end of 12-month fiscal year closing March 31,  2010, stood at net loss worth $519.8 million, while the previous fiscal  had ended with profit worth $61.8 million. Revenues decreased by 31  percent to $899.3 million, impairment losses valued $215.3 million,  while there was a provision for doubtful loan worth $84.8 million in the  fiscal.\n\nThe company identified the loss as a result of  management issues relating to the unauthorised withdrawals by the three  Abdullah brothers, during the economic recession that depleted funds,  and rising gold prices in the year, which further impacted revenues.\n\nIn the fiscal gone by, Tawhid Abdulla was asked to resign as Damas\' top  executive, following his unauthorised transactions which are yet to be  reimbursed to the company.\n\nThe company is reportedly working ways to bring its financial position in order and restructuring its operations.\n\n</div>','Damas’ fiscal year ends in a net loss','','inherit','open','open','','1200-revision','','','2010-08-03 19:27:40','2010-08-03 19:27:40','',1200,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1200-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1202,1,'2010-08-03 19:29:41','2010-08-03 19:29:41','<div>\n\nDamas’  financial position at the end of 12-month fiscal year closing March 31,  2010, stood at net loss worth $519.8 million, while the previous fiscal  had ended with profit worth $61.8 million. Revenues decreased by 31  percent to $899.3 million, impairment losses valued $215.3 million,  while there was a provision for doubtful loan worth $84.8 million in the  fiscal.\n\nThe company identified the loss as a result of  management issues relating to the unauthorised withdrawals by the three  Abdullah brothers, during the economic recession that depleted funds,  and rising gold prices in the year, which further impacted revenues.\n\nIn the fiscal gone by, Tawhid Abdulla was asked to resign as Damas\' top  executive, following his unauthorised transactions which are yet to be  reimbursed to the company.\n\nThe company is reportedly working ways to bring its financial position in order and restructuring its operations.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5185\" target=\"_blank\">Diamondworld.net</a>\n\n</div>','Damas’ fiscal year ends in a net loss','','inherit','open','open','','1200-autosave','','','2010-08-03 19:29:41','2010-08-03 19:29:41','',1200,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1200-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1203,1,'2010-08-03 19:31:34','2010-08-03 19:31:34','<div>\r\n\r\nThe  Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has introduced a Gem  Identification course in its Web-based Distance Education program, and  is conducting it through the eLearning module. Although Gem  Identification is considered the most challenging course in the G.G.  programme, with maximum assignments and 500 gemstones to examine, Duncan  Pay, director of Course Development for GIA, views the eLearning  version as fascinating, explaining, “The content is more interactive and  you see so much more. You read about how to use a refractometer, for  instance, and then watch how to do it. It’s almost like looking over  your instructor’s shoulder before you try to use one on your own.”\r\n\r\nThe course entails practical videos depicting the feel of a student  proxy, as students view a virtual ‘being’ examining the stone similar to  the one they will be looking at, with the same tools they’ll be using,  and who shows them what they need to look for, through the 500 gemstones  – 20 sets of 25 stones – in the course.\r\n\r\nThe videos are larger  than usual videos in other eLearning programmes, allowing for a closer  view of the stone’s features. “It’s not just the colour,” Pay said. “You  can see the texture, the quality of luster and the inclusions. The  videos are like guided tours through all of the types of stones you look  at so you can see what’s important.” Students are also guided by the  course in understanding what to expect before they start, view the  complete course structure, and also go back electronically to review  stone sets similar to the ones they’ve already submitted.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5186\" target=\"_blank\">Diamondworld.net</a>\r\n\r\n</div>','GIA begins Gem Identification as eLearning course','','publish','open','open','','gia-begins-gem-identification-as-elearning-course','','','2010-08-03 19:31:34','2010-08-03 19:31:34','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1203',0,'post','',0),(1204,1,'2010-08-03 19:30:48','2010-08-03 19:30:48','','GIA begins Gem Identification as eLearning course','','inherit','open','open','','1203-revision','','','2010-08-03 19:30:48','2010-08-03 19:30:48','',1203,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1203-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1205,1,'2010-08-03 19:32:38','2010-08-03 19:32:38','<div>\n\nThe  Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has introduced a Gem  Identification course in its Web-based Distance Education program, and  is conducting it through the eLearning module. Although Gem  Identification is considered the most challenging course in the G.G.  programme, with maximum assignments and 500 gemstones to examine, Duncan  Pay, director of Course Development for GIA, views the eLearning  version as fascinating, explaining, “The content is more interactive and  you see so much more. You read about how to use a refractometer, for  instance, and then watch how to do it. It’s almost like looking over  your instructor’s shoulder before you try to use one on your own.”\n\nThe course entails practical videos depicting the feel of a student  proxy, as students view a virtual ‘being’ examining the stone similar to  the one they will be looking at, with the same tools they’ll be using,  and who shows them what they need to look for, through the 500 gemstones  – 20 sets of 25 stones – in the course.\n\nThe videos are larger  than usual videos in other eLearning programmes, allowing for a closer  view of the stone’s features. “It’s not just the colour,” Pay said. “You  can see the texture, the quality of luster and the inclusions. The  videos are like guided tours through all of the types of stones you look  at so you can see what’s important.” Students are also guided by the  course in understanding what to expect before they start, view the  complete course structure, and also go back electronically to review  stone sets similar to the ones they’ve already submitted.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5186\" target=\"_blank\">Diamondworld.net</a>\n\n</div>','GIA begins Gem Identification as eLearning course','','inherit','open','open','','1203-autosave','','','2010-08-03 19:32:38','2010-08-03 19:32:38','',1203,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1203-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1206,1,'2010-08-04 06:07:24','2010-08-04 06:07:24','Jeffrey  Nichols, managing director of American Precious Metals Advisors, expects  the price of gold to continue the historic climb of the past two  years.  Nichols wrote in a note, as senior economic advisor for Rosland  Capital, that gold could hit $2,000 an ounce in the next few years,  climbing to $3,000 an ounce and possibly still higher at the metal\'s  next cyclical peak. He described his \"perennially bullish\" view on gold  as a long-term view and regularly cautions clients to expect \"big  corrections and volatile markets.\"\r\n\r\nHe advised that  gold-price declines, however sharp, were  opportunities for investors to establish or add to their holdings of  physical gold. \"Price swings of 5 or 10 percent, up and down, are not  sufficient to dull my positive outlook for the metal\'s price.\"\r\n\r\nThere were a number of factors at play in this long-term assessment  such as the bigger than expected U.S.  federal deficit, an overly  optimistic tax-revenue projection, slower than projected economic  activity, and more spending on the horizon in order to  revive the  economy.\r\n\r\nThe Federal Reserve would again become the \"financier of last resort,  monetizing federal debt and printing money, in the hope that massive  monetary creation will get the economy going,\" according to his  statement. \"This will be compounded by the growing reluctance of foreign  central banks and other investors to buy and hold U.S. Treasury  securities.  Already we see the People\'s Bank of China, the largest  financer of U.S. federal debt, looking for alternative investments,  either directly or indirectly through a variety of government agencies  and state-controlled corporations.\"\r\n\r\nEurope\'s sovereign debt crisis remains a problem that will resurface  as voters in the weaker overly-indebted nations reject new  belt-tightening economic policies.  \"Notwithstanding the recent stress  tests to determine the solvency and viability of Europe\'s larger banks,  many will face problems when their sovereign debt holdings are again  deemed of questionable value,\" he wrote.\r\n\r\n\"Central banks will become increasingly important buyers of gold as  they seek to diversify and diminish their exposure to the U.S. dollar.   In 2009, central banks, as a group, were net buyers of gold for the  first time in two decades.  After average annual sales of some 400 tons a  year, the official sector last year bought more than 425 tons.  Among  the buyers of the past year and a half include China, India, Russia,  Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Venezuela, and probably others that  chose not to report increased gold holdings.  We think some of these  countries will acquire more in the years ahead ... while other central  banks join the list of buyers,\"  he wrote.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31946\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Gold Remains Bullish','','publish','open','open','','gold-remains-bullish','','','2010-08-04 06:07:59','2010-08-04 06:07:59','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1206',0,'post','',0),(1207,1,'2010-08-04 06:07:15','2010-08-04 06:07:15','Jeffrey  Nichols, managing director of American Precious Metals Advisors, expects  the price of gold to continue the historic climb of the past two  years.  Nichols wrote in a note, as senior economic advisor for Rosland  Capital, that gold could hit $2,000 an ounce in the next few years,  climbing to $3,000 an ounce and possibly still higher at the metal\'s  next cyclical peak. He described his \"perennially bullish\" view on gold  as a long-term view and regularly cautions clients to expect \"big  corrections and volatile markets.\"\n\nHe advised that  gold-price declines, however sharp, were  opportunities for investors to establish or add to their holdings of  physical gold. \"Price swings of 5 or 10 percent, up and down, are not  sufficient to dull my positive outlook for the metal\'s price.\"\n\nThere were a number of factors at play in this long-term assessment  such as the bigger than expected U.S.  federal deficit, an overly  optimistic tax-revenue projection, slower than projected economic  activity, and more spending on the horizon in order to  revive the  economy.\n\nThe Federal Reserve would again become the \"financier of last resort,  monetizing federal debt and printing money, in the hope that massive  monetary creation will get the economy going,\" according to his  statement. \"This will be compounded by the growing reluctance of foreign  central banks and other investors to buy and hold U.S. Treasury  securities.  Already we see the People\'s Bank of China, the largest  financer of U.S. federal debt, looking for alternative investments,  either directly or indirectly through a variety of government agencies  and state-controlled corporations.\"\n\nEurope\'s sovereign debt crisis remains a problem that will resurface  as voters in the weaker overly-indebted nations reject new  belt-tightening economic policies.  \"Notwithstanding the recent stress  tests to determine the solvency and viability of Europe\'s larger banks,  many will face problems when their sovereign debt holdings are again  deemed of questionable value,\" he wrote.\n\n\"Central banks will become increasingly important buyers of gold as  they seek to diversify and diminish their exposure to the U.S. dollar.   In 2009, central banks, as a group, were net buyers of gold for the  first time in two decades.  After average annual sales of some 400 tons a  year, the official sector last year bought more than 425 tons.  Among  the buyers of the past year and a half include China, India, Russia,  Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Venezuela, and probably others that  chose not to report increased gold holdings.  We think some of these  countries will acquire more in the years ahead ... while other central  banks join the list of buyers,\"  he wrote.','Gold Remains Bullish','','inherit','open','open','','1206-revision','','','2010-08-04 06:07:15','2010-08-04 06:07:15','',1206,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1206-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1208,1,'2010-08-04 06:07:24','2010-08-04 06:07:24','Jeffrey  Nichols, managing director of American Precious Metals Advisors, expects  the price of gold to continue the historic climb of the past two  years.  Nichols wrote in a note, as senior economic advisor for Rosland  Capital, that gold could hit $2,000 an ounce in the next few years,  climbing to $3,000 an ounce and possibly still higher at the metal\'s  next cyclical peak. He described his \"perennially bullish\" view on gold  as a long-term view and regularly cautions clients to expect \"big  corrections and volatile markets.\"\r\n\r\nHe advised that  gold-price declines, however sharp, were  opportunities for investors to establish or add to their holdings of  physical gold. \"Price swings of 5 or 10 percent, up and down, are not  sufficient to dull my positive outlook for the metal\'s price.\"\r\n\r\nThere were a number of factors at play in this long-term assessment  such as the bigger than expected U.S.  federal deficit, an overly  optimistic tax-revenue projection, slower than projected economic  activity, and more spending on the horizon in order to  revive the  economy.\r\n\r\nThe Federal Reserve would again become the \"financier of last resort,  monetizing federal debt and printing money, in the hope that massive  monetary creation will get the economy going,\" according to his  statement. \"This will be compounded by the growing reluctance of foreign  central banks and other investors to buy and hold U.S. Treasury  securities.  Already we see the People\'s Bank of China, the largest  financer of U.S. federal debt, looking for alternative investments,  either directly or indirectly through a variety of government agencies  and state-controlled corporations.\"\r\n\r\nEurope\'s sovereign debt crisis remains a problem that will resurface  as voters in the weaker overly-indebted nations reject new  belt-tightening economic policies.  \"Notwithstanding the recent stress  tests to determine the solvency and viability of Europe\'s larger banks,  many will face problems when their sovereign debt holdings are again  deemed of questionable value,\" he wrote.\r\n\r\n\"Central banks will become increasingly important buyers of gold as  they seek to diversify and diminish their exposure to the U.S. dollar.   In 2009, central banks, as a group, were net buyers of gold for the  first time in two decades.  After average annual sales of some 400 tons a  year, the official sector last year bought more than 425 tons.  Among  the buyers of the past year and a half include China, India, Russia,  Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Venezuela, and probably others that  chose not to report increased gold holdings.  We think some of these  countries will acquire more in the years ahead ... while other central  banks join the list of buyers,\"  he wrote.','Gold Remains Bullish','','inherit','open','open','','1206-revision-2','','','2010-08-04 06:07:24','2010-08-04 06:07:24','',1206,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1206-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1209,1,'2010-08-04 06:10:06','2010-08-04 06:10:06','Organizers of  the fourth annual New York Antique Jewelry &amp; Watch Show reported a  10 percent annual increase in attendance at the show, held at the  Metropolitan Pavilion from July 23 to July 26, 2010. More than 100  exhibitors were featured there.\r\n\r\n“We were cautiously optimistic about the luxury retail and antiques  market until we saw the uptick in attendance and purchases firsthand at  our New York Antique Jewelry &amp; Watch Show,” said Andrea Canady, fair  director for the show. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout  and the positive response from exhibitors and consumers alike.”\r\n\r\nExhibitor Harvey Kessler of Toronto-based Harvey Kessler said, “This  show has been his best show since its inception. The most popular items  sold were signed pieces, pieces from the 1940s through 1970s, antique  diamond rings, art deco and interesting collectible pieces.”\r\n\r\nJared Nadler of Levy\'s Fine Jewelry in Birmingham, Alabama, added,   “There was a lot of dealer activity and a lot of high-dollar private  sales. We’re very happy with the turnout of buyers and attendance. We  sold a Victorian bangle bracelet, art deco engagement rings and chunky  yellow-gold treasures.”\r\n\r\nThe New York Antique Jewelry &amp; Watch Show 2011 was held from July  22 to July 25. The next show from these organizers will be the Miami  Beach Antique Jewelry &amp; Watch Show to be held from October 15 to 17.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31966\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','NY Antique Jewelry Show Reports Increased Attendance','','publish','open','open','','ny-antique-jewelry-show-reports-increased-attendance','','','2010-08-04 06:10:06','2010-08-04 06:10:06','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1209',0,'post','',0),(1210,1,'2010-08-04 06:08:51','2010-08-04 06:08:51','','NY Antique Jewelry Show Reports Increased Attendance','','inherit','open','open','','1209-revision','','','2010-08-04 06:08:51','2010-08-04 06:08:51','',1209,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1209-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1211,1,'2010-08-04 06:11:13','2010-08-04 06:11:13','Organizers of  the fourth annual New York Antique Jewelry &amp; Watch Show reported a  10 percent annual increase in attendance at the show, held at the  Metropolitan Pavilion from July 23 to July 26, 2010. More than 100  exhibitors were featured there.\n\n“We were cautiously optimistic about the luxury retail and antiques  market until we saw the uptick in attendance and purchases firsthand at  our New York Antique Jewelry &amp; Watch Show,” said Andrea Canady, fair  director for the show. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout  and the positive response from exhibitors and consumers alike.”\n\nExhibitor Harvey Kessler of Toronto-based Harvey Kessler said, “This  show has been his best show since its inception. The most popular items  sold were signed pieces, pieces from the 1940s through 1970s, antique  diamond rings, art deco and interesting collectible pieces.”\n\nJared Nadler of Levy\'s Fine Jewelry in Birmingham, Alabama, added,   “There was a lot of dealer activity and a lot of high-dollar private  sales. We’re very happy with the turnout of buyers and attendance. We  sold a Victorian bangle bracelet, art deco engagement rings and chunky  yellow-gold treasures.”\n\nThe New York Antique Jewelry &amp; Watch Show 2011 was held from July  22 to July 25. The next show from these organizers will be the Miami  Beach Antique Jewelry &amp; Watch Show to be held from October 15 to 17.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31966\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','NY Antique Jewelry Show Reports Increased Attendance','','inherit','open','open','','1209-autosave','','','2010-08-04 06:11:13','2010-08-04 06:11:13','',1209,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1209-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1212,1,'2010-08-04 06:12:29','2010-08-04 06:12:29','Chadwick  Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies found that although 24  percent of U.S. consumers only made minor cutbacks to spending during  the Great Recession, another 33 percent who did reduced their spending  now plan to continue managing these tight budgets even when the economy  comes back to life.\r\n\r\nThe largest group of respondents haven\'t yet decided when and/or if  they will pick up spending again and they represented  43 percent of  consumers surveyed.  But in all, the marketing groups concluded that  this data presents  opportunities for brands to speak the right language  and reach out in appropriate way to capture marketshare given what is  clearly \"new normal\" shopping habits.\r\n\r\nThe consultants placed jewelry, designer clothes and shoes in a  category titled Guilty Pleasures and found this segment faces the most  difficult rebound ahead compared with other product categories. These  items were seen as “frivolous” purchases—particularly those where  consumers couldn\'t rationalize a tangible value. \"This trend was  consistent across income levels: Even more wealthy people need better  reasons to buy. However the aspiring affluent are particularly  vulnerable, people with expensive tastes, but with incomes that aren’t  large enough to be recession-proof,\" the survey concluded.\r\n\r\n“It is clear that consumers are still forming new spending habits,  and the companies that are likely to thrive are those that are in tune  with those new habits and focusing on the marketshare that is still up  for grabs,” said Jon Giegengack, director of Chadwick Martin Bailey’s  e-commerce and retail practice. “Deep customer insight and segmentation  are key to identifying and understanding what motivates customers  today.”\r\n\r\nThe study found that quality of life purchases -- vacations, home  improvement, dining -- could become more of an experience vs. a  possession therefore they were  less likely to be cut. Items that  consumers just pay without question -- cable TV/Internet, magazines --  would benefit simply because consumers need to opt-out of that monthly  or automated charge. Products that entertain the consumer -- video  games, books, electronics -- came out o.k. since people have time to  fill and therefore the price was justified.\r\n\r\nMany consumers reported that they were content with their new,  slimmed-down spending habits. While many say they would not return to  their ‘spend at will\' habits many look forward to some financial  breathing room to ‘splurge\' every once in a while.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31964\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Consumers Need a Reason for \'Frivolous\' Purchases','','publish','open','open','','consumers-need-a-reason-for-frivolous-purchases','','','2010-08-04 06:12:29','2010-08-04 06:12:29','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1212',0,'post','',0),(1213,1,'2010-08-04 06:12:21','2010-08-04 06:12:21','Chadwick  Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies found that although 24  percent of U.S. consumers only made minor cutbacks to spending during  the Great Recession, another 33 percent who did reduced their spending  now plan to continue managing these tight budgets even when the economy  comes back to life.\n\nThe largest group of respondents haven\'t yet decided when and/or if  they will pick up spending again and they represented  43 percent of  consumers surveyed.  But in all, the marketing groups concluded that  this data presents  opportunities for brands to speak the right language  and reach out in appropriate way to capture marketshare given what is  clearly \"new normal\" shopping habits.\n\nThe consultants placed jewelry, designer clothes and shoes in a  category titled Guilty Pleasures and found this segment faces the most  difficult rebound ahead compared with other product categories. These  items were seen as “frivolous” purchases—particularly those where  consumers couldn\'t rationalize a tangible value. \"This trend was  consistent across income levels: Even more wealthy people need better  reasons to buy. However the aspiring affluent are particularly  vulnerable, people with expensive tastes, but with incomes that aren’t  large enough to be recession-proof,\" the survey concluded.\n\n“It is clear that consumers are still forming new spending habits,  and the companies that are likely to thrive are those that are in tune  with those new habits and focusing on the marketshare that is still up  for grabs,” said Jon Giegengack, director of Chadwick Martin Bailey’s  e-commerce and retail practice. “Deep customer insight and segmentation  are key to identifying and understanding what motivates customers  today.”\n\nThe study found that quality of life purchases -- vacations, home  improvement, dining -- could become more of an experience vs. a  possession therefore they were  less likely to be cut. Items that  consumers just pay without question -- cable TV/Internet, magazines --  would benefit simply because consumers need to opt-out of that monthly  or automated charge. Products that entertain the consumer -- video  games, books, electronics -- came out o.k. since people have time to  fill and therefore the price was justified.\n\nMany consumers reported that they were content with their new,  slimmed-down spending habits. While many say they would not return to  their ‘spend at will\' habits many look forward to some financial  breathing room to ‘splurge\' every once in a while.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31964\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Consumers Need a Reason for \'Frivolous\' Purchases','','inherit','open','open','','1212-revision','','','2010-08-04 06:12:21','2010-08-04 06:12:21','',1212,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1212-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1214,1,'2010-08-04 06:13:34','2010-08-04 06:13:34','Chadwick  Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies found that although 24  percent of U.S. consumers only made minor cutbacks to spending during  the Great Recession, another 33 percent who did reduced their spending  now plan to continue managing these tight budgets even when the economy  comes back to life.\n\nThe largest group of respondents haven\'t yet decided when and/or if  they will pick up spending again and they represented  43 percent of  consumers surveyed.  But in all, the marketing groups concluded that  this data presents  opportunities for brands to speak the right language  and reach out in appropriate way to capture marketshare given what is  clearly \"new normal\" shopping habits.\n\nThe consultants placed jewelry, designer clothes and shoes in a  category titled Guilty Pleasures and found this segment faces the most  difficult rebound ahead compared with other product categories. These  items were seen as “frivolous” purchases—particularly those where  consumers couldn\'t rationalize a tangible value. \"This trend was  consistent across income levels: Even more wealthy people need better  reasons to buy. However the aspiring affluent are particularly  vulnerable, people with expensive tastes, but with incomes that aren’t  large enough to be recession-proof,\" the survey concluded.\n\n“It is clear that consumers are still forming new spending habits,  and the companies that are likely to thrive are those that are in tune  with those new habits and focusing on the marketshare that is still up  for grabs,” said Jon Giegengack, director of Chadwick Martin Bailey’s  e-commerce and retail practice. “Deep customer insight and segmentation  are key to identifying and understanding what motivates customers  today.”\n\nThe study found that quality of life purchases -- vacations, home  improvement, dining -- could become more of an experience vs. a  possession therefore they were  less likely to be cut. Items that  consumers just pay without question -- cable TV/Internet, magazines --  would benefit simply because consumers need to opt-out of that monthly  or automated charge. Products that entertain the consumer -- video  games, books, electronics -- came out o.k. since people have time to  fill and therefore the price was justified.\n\nMany consumers reported that they were content with their new,  slimmed-down spending habits. While many say they would not return to  their ‘spend at will\' habits many look forward to some financial  breathing room to ‘splurge\' every once in a while.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=31964\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Consumers Need a Reason for \'Frivolous\' Purchases','','inherit','open','open','','1212-autosave','','','2010-08-04 06:13:34','2010-08-04 06:13:34','',1212,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1212-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1215,1,'2010-08-04 06:20:21','2010-08-04 06:20:21','[caption id=\"attachment_1216\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Mr. Eli Avidar\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Eli-Avidar.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1216\" title=\"Eli Avidar\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Eli-Avidar.jpg\" alt=\"Eli Avidar\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Israeli Diamond Industry is once again  participating in the India International Jewelry Show (IIJS) to be held  in Mumbai from August 19 – 23, 2010. An Israel Diamond Pavilion,  organized by the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) will  include 7 Israeli companies. This is the third time that IDI has  organized a national pavilion at the show.\r\n\r\nThe companies exhibiting are: AG Diamond Direct Ltd., EZ Diamonds,  Hausman Diamond Manufacturers, Julius Klein – Eliaz Diamonds, Niru  Diamonds, Schachter &amp; Namdar Asia and Shlomo Bichachi Diamonds Ltd.\r\n\r\nAs in previous years IDI will have an image booth within the pavilion at  1B037, which will provide buyers with information about the Israeli  Diamond Industry and the advantages of doing business with Israel, and  will register industry members for the Israeli Diamond Industry Portal  site and on-line data base.\r\n\r\nIDI Chairman Moti Ganz said that it was very important for the Israeli  Diamond Industry to forge ties with the Indian industry. “As two of the  world’s leading diamond centers, Israel and India can complement each  other in both manufacturing and trading. We believe in the great  potential of this enormous market, which is growing at a very rapid  pace,” he said.\r\n\r\nIDI Managing Director Eli Avidar said that the institute was actively  supporting the enhancement of ties between the two diamond industries.  “We encourage Israeli companies to explore business opportunities with  the growing Indian market. Our belief in the Indian diamond industry has  led us to initiate memorandums of understanding with the GJEPC and the  GJF, which were signed in late 2009 and early 2010. We look forward to  strengthening the ties between the industries in the coming IIJS show,”  said Avidar.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7757\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','Israeli Diamond Industry Reaches Out To India At IIJS Mumbai','','publish','open','open','','israeli-diamond-industry-reaches-out-to-india-at-iijs-mumbai','','','2010-08-04 06:20:21','2010-08-04 06:20:21','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1215',0,'post','',0),(1216,1,'2010-08-04 06:19:12','2010-08-04 06:19:12','Mr. Eli Avidar - IDI Managing Director','Eli Avidar','Mr. Eli Avidar','inherit','open','open','','eli-avidar','','','2010-08-04 06:19:12','2010-08-04 06:19:12','',1215,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Eli-Avidar.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1217,1,'2010-08-04 06:18:52','2010-08-04 06:18:52','The Israeli Diamond Industry is once again  participating in the India International Jewelry Show (IIJS) to be held  in Mumbai from August 19 – 23, 2010. An Israel Diamond Pavilion,  organized by the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) will  include 7 Israeli companies. This is the third time that IDI has  organized a national pavilion at the show.\n\nThe companies exhibiting are: AG Diamond Direct Ltd., EZ Diamonds,  Hausman Diamond Manufacturers, Julius Klein – Eliaz Diamonds, Niru  Diamonds, Schachter &amp; Namdar Asia and Shlomo Bichachi Diamonds Ltd.\n\nAs in previous years IDI will have an image booth within the pavilion at  1B037, which will provide buyers with information about the Israeli  Diamond Industry and the advantages of doing business with Israel, and  will register industry members for the Israeli Diamond Industry Portal  site and on-line data base.\n\nIDI Chairman Moti Ganz said that it was very important for the Israeli  Diamond Industry to forge ties with the Indian industry. “As two of the  world’s leading diamond centers, Israel and India can complement each  other in both manufacturing and trading. We believe in the great  potential of this enormous market, which is growing at a very rapid  pace,” he said.\n\nIDI Managing Director Eli Avidar said that the institute was actively  supporting the enhancement of ties between the two diamond industries.  “We encourage Israeli companies to explore business opportunities with  the growing Indian market. Our belief in the Indian diamond industry has  led us to initiate memorandums of understanding with the GJEPC and the  GJF, which were signed in late 2009 and early 2010. We look forward to  strengthening the ties between the industries in the coming IIJS show,”  said Avidar.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7757\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','Israeli Diamond Industry Reaches Out To India At IIJS Mumbai','','inherit','open','open','','1215-revision','','','2010-08-04 06:18:52','2010-08-04 06:18:52','',1215,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1215-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1218,1,'2010-08-04 06:21:31','2010-08-04 06:21:31','[caption id=\"attachment_1216\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Mr. Eli Avidar\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Eli-Avidar.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1216\" title=\"Eli Avidar\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Eli-Avidar.jpg\" alt=\"Eli Avidar\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe Israeli Diamond Industry is once again  participating in the India International Jewelry Show (IIJS) to be held  in Mumbai from August 19 – 23, 2010. An Israel Diamond Pavilion,  organized by the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) will  include 7 Israeli companies. This is the third time that IDI has  organized a national pavilion at the show.\n\nThe companies exhibiting are: AG Diamond Direct Ltd., EZ Diamonds,  Hausman Diamond Manufacturers, Julius Klein – Eliaz Diamonds, Niru  Diamonds, Schachter &amp; Namdar Asia and Shlomo Bichachi Diamonds Ltd.\n\nAs in previous years IDI will have an image booth within the pavilion at  1B037, which will provide buyers with information about the Israeli  Diamond Industry and the advantages of doing business with Israel, and  will register industry members for the Israeli Diamond Industry Portal  site and on-line data base.\n\nIDI Chairman Moti Ganz said that it was very important for the Israeli  Diamond Industry to forge ties with the Indian industry. “As two of the  world’s leading diamond centers, Israel and India can complement each  other in both manufacturing and trading. We believe in the great  potential of this enormous market, which is growing at a very rapid  pace,” he said.\n\nIDI Managing Director Eli Avidar said that the institute was actively  supporting the enhancement of ties between the two diamond industries.  “We encourage Israeli companies to explore business opportunities with  the growing Indian market. Our belief in the Indian diamond industry has  led us to initiate memorandums of understanding with the GJEPC and the  GJF, which were signed in late 2009 and early 2010. We look forward to  strengthening the ties between the industries in the coming IIJS show,”  said Avidar.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7757\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','Israeli Diamond Industry Reaches Out To India At IIJS Mumbai','','inherit','open','open','','1215-autosave','','','2010-08-04 06:21:31','2010-08-04 06:21:31','',1215,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1215-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1219,1,'2010-08-04 06:27:05','2010-08-04 06:27:05','[caption id=\"attachment_1220\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"203\" caption=\"India International Jewelry Week - 15th Aug 2010 to 19th Aug 2010\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/India-International-Jewelry-Week.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1220\" title=\"India-International-Jewelry-Week\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/India-International-Jewelry-Week.jpg\" alt=\"India International Jewelry Week\" width=\"203\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in its  endeavor to promote India as the \"Innovation and Design Destination\" for  jewellery, proudly presents the country\'s first jewellery week, India  International Jewellery week (IIJW), to be held in Mumbai at the Grand  Hyatt from 15th to 19th August, 2010.\r\n\r\nIIJW is an initiative to showcase India\'s finest in jewellery, be it  design or innovation supported by top-of-the-line craftsmanship,  technology and quality to the customers around the globe. India with its  ability to create most intrinsic and inspired jewellery has made bold  statements across the globe with designers time and again winning  different international design awards of repute.\r\n\r\nIIJW is an attempt to provide an international platform to India\'s  budding designers, leading designers and design houses to unveil their  fascinating jewellery collections, classic and contemporary by India\'s  leading designers and design houses to the world jewellery market  thereby establishing India as the most sought after destination for  quality gems and jewellery which stands out in terms of design and  innovation quotient.\r\n\r\nSome of the show highlights during IIJW include exclusive platform to  showcase innovative and new concepts in jewellery, extensive media and  PR coverage for participants, creations to be modeled and choreographed  by India\'s top models and choreographers, opportunities for participants  to be interviewed and promoted across print, online, radio and  electronic media.\r\n\r\nFor more details, log on to <a href=\"http://www.iijw.org/\">www.iijw.org</a>\r\n\r\nOr\r\n\r\nCall on 022-43541800\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7624\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','India International Jewellery Week 2010, Mumbai','','publish','open','open','','1219','','','2010-08-04 06:36:23','2010-08-04 06:36:23','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1219',0,'post','',0),(1220,1,'2010-08-04 06:26:07','2010-08-04 06:26:07','India International Jewelry Week (Mumbai) - 15th Aug 2010 to 19th Aug 2010','India-International-Jewelry-Week','India International Jewelry Week - 15th Aug 2010 to 19th Aug 2010','inherit','open','open','','india-international-jewelry-week','','','2010-08-04 06:26:07','2010-08-04 06:26:07','',1219,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/India-International-Jewelry-Week.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1221,1,'2010-08-04 06:22:05','2010-08-04 06:22:05','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','1219-revision','','','2010-08-04 06:22:05','2010-08-04 06:22:05','',1219,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1219-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1222,1,'2010-08-04 06:28:41','2010-08-04 06:28:41','[caption id=\"attachment_1220\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"203\" caption=\"India International Jewelry Week - 15th Aug 2010 to 19th Aug 2010\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/India-International-Jewelry-Week.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1220\" title=\"India-International-Jewelry-Week\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/India-International-Jewelry-Week.jpg\" alt=\"India International Jewelry Week\" width=\"203\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in its  endeavor to promote India as the \"Innovation and Design Destination\" for  jewellery, proudly presents the country\'s first jewellery week, India  International Jewellery week (IIJW), to be held in Mumbai at the Grand  Hyatt from 15th to 19th August, 2010.\n\nIIJW is an initiative to showcase India\'s finest in jewellery, be it  design or innovation supported by top-of-the-line craftsmanship,  technology and quality to the customers around the globe. India with its  ability to create most intrinsic and inspired jewellery has made bold  statements across the globe with designers time and again winning  different international design awards of repute.\n\nIIJW is an attempt to provide an international platform to India\'s  budding designers, leading designers and design houses to unveil their  fascinating jewellery collections, classic and contemporary by India\'s  leading designers and design houses to the world jewellery market  thereby establishing India as the most sought after destination for  quality gems and jewellery which stands out in terms of design and  innovation quotient.\n\nSome of the show highlights during IIJW include exclusive platform to  showcase innovative and new concepts in jewellery, extensive media and  PR coverage for participants, creations to be modeled and choreographed  by India\'s top models and choreographers, opportunities for participants  to be interviewed and promoted across print, online, radio and  electronic media.\n\nFor more details, log on to <a href=\"http://www.iijw.org/\">www.iijw.org</a>\n\nOr\n\nCall on 022-43541800\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7624\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','India International Jewellery Week 2010','','inherit','open','open','','1219-autosave','','','2010-08-04 06:28:41','2010-08-04 06:28:41','',1219,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1219-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1223,1,'2010-08-04 06:27:05','2010-08-04 06:27:05','[caption id=\"attachment_1220\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"203\" caption=\"India International Jewelry Week - 15th Aug 2010 to 19th Aug 2010\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/India-International-Jewelry-Week.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1220\" title=\"India-International-Jewelry-Week\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/India-International-Jewelry-Week.jpg\" alt=\"India International Jewelry Week\" width=\"203\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in its  endeavor to promote India as the \"Innovation and Design Destination\" for  jewellery, proudly presents the country\'s first jewellery week, India  International Jewellery week (IIJW), to be held in Mumbai at the Grand  Hyatt from 15th to 19th August, 2010.\r\n\r\nIIJW is an initiative to showcase India\'s finest in jewellery, be it  design or innovation supported by top-of-the-line craftsmanship,  technology and quality to the customers around the globe. India with its  ability to create most intrinsic and inspired jewellery has made bold  statements across the globe with designers time and again winning  different international design awards of repute.\r\n\r\nIIJW is an attempt to provide an international platform to India\'s  budding designers, leading designers and design houses to unveil their  fascinating jewellery collections, classic and contemporary by India\'s  leading designers and design houses to the world jewellery market  thereby establishing India as the most sought after destination for  quality gems and jewellery which stands out in terms of design and  innovation quotient.\r\n\r\nSome of the show highlights during IIJW include exclusive platform to  showcase innovative and new concepts in jewellery, extensive media and  PR coverage for participants, creations to be modeled and choreographed  by India\'s top models and choreographers, opportunities for participants  to be interviewed and promoted across print, online, radio and  electronic media.\r\n\r\nFor more details, log on to <a href=\"http://www.iijw.org/\">www.iijw.org</a>\r\n\r\nOr\r\n\r\nCall on 022-43541800\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7624\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','','','inherit','open','open','','1219-revision-2','','','2010-08-04 06:27:05','2010-08-04 06:27:05','',1219,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1219-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1224,1,'2010-08-04 06:30:28','2010-08-04 06:30:28','[caption id=\"attachment_1225\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"350\" caption=\"FICCI conference\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1225\" title=\"Ficci_convention\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\" alt=\"FICCI conference\" width=\"350\" height=\"232\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nInaugurating  the FICCI Conference on Gemstones and Silver Jewellery, in Jaipur, on  22nd July, 2010, Mr. Rajendra Pareekh, Hon\'ble Minister for Industry,  NRIs, Public Undertaking, Economics &amp; Statistics, Excise, Govt. of  Rajasthan, conveyed his message of Samarpan and Sneh – of dedication and  friendliness, for industrial and all round progress, peace and  harmony.\r\n\r\nMr. Pareekh called for imbibing the mantra of innovation and skill  upgradation, and emphasized the need for spreading awareness and  knowledge. Expressing confidence that the building up of  Delhi-Mumbai-Industrial Corridor would hasten the speed of economic  progress of Rajasthan, he appealed to the industry to invest in the  politically stable State of Rajasthan.\r\n\r\nMr. Bijou Kurien, President and Chief Executive – Lifestyle, Reliance  Retail Ltd., said: \"The key driver of jewellery market is innovation\".  In this connection, he cited the examples of 18 carat Tanishq Jewellery  introduced in 1995 and 22 carat Tanishq Jewellery introduced in 1997,  which have made an impact through constant innovations.\r\n\r\n\"I see a vital role for India in taking the growth of Gems &amp;  Jewellery exports from US$ 25 billion to US50 billion registering an  increase in growth from 12% to 15%. In 5 years\", said Mr. Kurien. He  expected the demand for jewellery to clock 8.3% to 8.5% growth buoyed by  increasing prosperity leading to growth in people\'s aspirations. Mr.  Kurien informed that Government offered direct fiscal incentives to  jewellery manufacturing units in the Special Economic Zones.\r\n\r\nMr. Rajiv Jain, Vice-Chairman, Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion  Council saw a great potential for the growth of India\'s gem and  jewellery market globally.   He was happy to see traditionally designed  jewellery vying with contemporarily designed jewellery. He pointed out  that this fastest growing sector worth US$28 billion has shown 16%  growth in 2009-10 in India. He lauded the industry for showing  resilience during global slowdown and remaining unaffected.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7771\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','FICCI Conference On Gemstones & Silver Jewellery, Jaipur','','publish','open','open','','ficci-conference-on-gemstones-silver-jewellery-jaipur','','','2010-08-04 06:44:21','2010-08-04 06:44:21','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1224',0,'post','',0),(1225,1,'2010-08-04 06:29:23','2010-08-04 06:29:23','FICCI Conference On Gemstones & Silver Jewellery','Ficci_convention','FICCI conference','inherit','open','open','','ficci_convention','','','2010-08-04 06:29:23','2010-08-04 06:29:23','',1224,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1226,1,'2010-08-04 06:28:57','2010-08-04 06:28:57','','FICCI Conference On Gemstones & Silver Jewellery','','inherit','open','open','','1224-revision','','','2010-08-04 06:28:57','2010-08-04 06:28:57','',1224,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1224-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1227,1,'2010-08-04 06:30:28','2010-08-04 06:30:28','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1225\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"350\" caption=\"FICCI conference\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1225\" title=\"Ficci_convention\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\" alt=\"FICCI conference\" width=\"350\" height=\"232\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</a>Inaugurating  the FICCI Conference on Gemstones and Silver Jewellery, in Jaipur, on  22nd July, 2010, Mr. Rajendra Pareekh, Hon\'ble Minister for Industry,  NRIs, Public Undertaking, Economics &amp; Statistics, Excise, Govt. of  Rajasthan, conveyed his message of Samarpan and Sneh – of dedication and  friendliness, for industrial and all round progress, peace and  harmony.\r\n\r\nMr. Pareekh called for imbibing the mantra of innovation and skill  upgradation, and emphasized the need for spreading awareness and  knowledge. Expressing confidence that the building up of  Delhi-Mumbai-Industrial Corridor would hasten the speed of economic  progress of Rajasthan, he appealed to the industry to invest in the  politically stable State of Rajasthan.\r\n\r\nMr. Bijou Kurien, President and Chief Executive – Lifestyle, Reliance  Retail Ltd., said: \"The key driver of jewellery market is innovation\".  In this connection, he cited the examples of 18 carat Tanishq Jewellery  introduced in 1995 and 22 carat Tanishq Jewellery introduced in 1997,  which have made an impact through constant innovations.\r\n\r\n\"I see a vital role for India in taking the growth of Gems &amp;  Jewellery exports from US$ 25 billion to US50 billion registering an  increase in growth from 12% to 15%. In 5 years\", said Mr. Kurien. He  expected the demand for jewellery to clock 8.3% to 8.5% growth buoyed by  increasing prosperity leading to growth in people\'s aspirations. Mr.  Kurien informed that Government offered direct fiscal incentives to  jewellery manufacturing units in the Special Economic Zones.\r\n\r\nMr. Rajiv Jain, Vice-Chairman, Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion  Council saw a great potential for the growth of India\'s gem and  jewellery market globally.   He was happy to see traditionally designed  jewellery vying with contemporarily designed jewellery. He pointed out  that this fastest growing sector worth US$28 billion has shown 16%  growth in 2009-10 in India. He lauded the industry for showing  resilience during global slowdown and remaining unaffected.','FICCI Conference On Gemstones & Silver Jewellery, Jaipur','','inherit','open','open','','1224-revision-2','','','2010-08-04 06:30:28','2010-08-04 06:30:28','',1224,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1224-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1228,1,'2010-08-04 06:31:51','2010-08-04 06:31:51','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\"></a>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1225\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"350\" caption=\"FICCI conference\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1225\" title=\"Ficci_convention\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\" alt=\"FICCI conference\" width=\"350\" height=\"232\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nInaugurating  the FICCI Conference on Gemstones and Silver Jewellery, in Jaipur, on  22nd July, 2010, Mr. Rajendra Pareekh, Hon\'ble Minister for Industry,  NRIs, Public Undertaking, Economics &amp; Statistics, Excise, Govt. of  Rajasthan, conveyed his message of Samarpan and Sneh – of dedication and  friendliness, for industrial and all round progress, peace and  harmony.\n\nMr. Pareekh called for imbibing the mantra of innovation and skill  upgradation, and emphasized the need for spreading awareness and  knowledge. Expressing confidence that the building up of  Delhi-Mumbai-Industrial Corridor would hasten the speed of economic  progress of Rajasthan, he appealed to the industry to invest in the  politically stable State of Rajasthan.\n\nMr. Bijou Kurien, President and Chief Executive – Lifestyle, Reliance  Retail Ltd., said: \"The key driver of jewellery market is innovation\".  In this connection, he cited the examples of 18 carat Tanishq Jewellery  introduced in 1995 and 22 carat Tanishq Jewellery introduced in 1997,  which have made an impact through constant innovations.\n\n\"I see a vital role for India in taking the growth of Gems &amp;  Jewellery exports from US$ 25 billion to US50 billion registering an  increase in growth from 12% to 15%. In 5 years\", said Mr. Kurien. He  expected the demand for jewellery to clock 8.3% to 8.5% growth buoyed by  increasing prosperity leading to growth in people\'s aspirations. Mr.  Kurien informed that Government offered direct fiscal incentives to  jewellery manufacturing units in the Special Economic Zones.\n\nMr. Rajiv Jain, Vice-Chairman, Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion  Council saw a great potential for the growth of India\'s gem and  jewellery market globally.   He was happy to see traditionally designed  jewellery vying with contemporarily designed jewellery. He pointed out  that this fastest growing sector worth US$28 billion has shown 16%  growth in 2009-10 in India. He lauded the industry for showing  resilience during global slowdown and remaining unaffected.','FICCI Conference On Gemstones & Silver Jewellery, Jaipur','','inherit','open','open','','1224-autosave','','','2010-08-04 06:31:51','2010-08-04 06:31:51','',1224,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1224-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1229,1,'2010-08-04 06:27:37','2010-08-04 06:27:37','[caption id=\"attachment_1220\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"203\" caption=\"India International Jewelry Week - 15th Aug 2010 to 19th Aug 2010\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/India-International-Jewelry-Week.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1220\" title=\"India-International-Jewelry-Week\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/India-International-Jewelry-Week.jpg\" alt=\"India International Jewelry Week\" width=\"203\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in its  endeavor to promote India as the \"Innovation and Design Destination\" for  jewellery, proudly presents the country\'s first jewellery week, India  International Jewellery week (IIJW), to be held in Mumbai at the Grand  Hyatt from 15th to 19th August, 2010.\r\n\r\nIIJW is an initiative to showcase India\'s finest in jewellery, be it  design or innovation supported by top-of-the-line craftsmanship,  technology and quality to the customers around the globe. India with its  ability to create most intrinsic and inspired jewellery has made bold  statements across the globe with designers time and again winning  different international design awards of repute.\r\n\r\nIIJW is an attempt to provide an international platform to India\'s  budding designers, leading designers and design houses to unveil their  fascinating jewellery collections, classic and contemporary by India\'s  leading designers and design houses to the world jewellery market  thereby establishing India as the most sought after destination for  quality gems and jewellery which stands out in terms of design and  innovation quotient.\r\n\r\nSome of the show highlights during IIJW include exclusive platform to  showcase innovative and new concepts in jewellery, extensive media and  PR coverage for participants, creations to be modeled and choreographed  by India\'s top models and choreographers, opportunities for participants  to be interviewed and promoted across print, online, radio and  electronic media.\r\n\r\nFor more details, log on to <a href=\"http://www.iijw.org/\">www.iijw.org</a>\r\n\r\nOr\r\n\r\nCall on 022-43541800\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7624\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','India International Jewellery Week 2010','','inherit','open','open','','1219-revision-3','','','2010-08-04 06:27:37','2010-08-04 06:27:37','',1219,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1219-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1230,1,'2010-08-04 06:39:30','2010-08-04 06:39:30','[caption id=\"attachment_1232\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Rahul Dholakia\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rahul-Dholakia.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1232\" title=\"Rahul-Dholakia\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rahul-Dholakia.jpg\" alt=\"Rahul Dholakia\" width=\"150\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nShree  Ramkrishna Export, one of the largest diamond manufacturing companies  in the industry, introduces the beta version of \"Design Canvas\" on its  official B2B trading website srkexport.com. The Design Canvas is an  online application to help customers virtually sketch their diamond  jewellery designs, empowering them to accurately communicate with their  prospective customers of what is required to go into the actual making  on the piece.\r\n\r\nThe tool will allow for extreme precision, from which one can manufacture designs of any size – small or large.\r\n\r\nThe first of its kind in the diamond industry, this feature will give  customers the ability to custom build every piece of design and allow  them to translate the final design concept into reality.\r\n\r\nThis technology will be very helpful to customers in refining one\'s  design concepts and will show with proportional accuracy how a custom  jewellery will look when finished and able to quote in advance the exact  price of the product. This way one will have the most symmetrical, most  balanced and most beautiful custom jewellery as the final product.\r\n\r\nOne will also be able to document the designs which can be re-visited at  a later date to either edit or modify it. The feature will have an  option of printing and forwarding the design to anyone when required.\r\n\r\nCommenting on the launch of the \"Design Canvas\" at the Asia\'s biggest  show, Hong Kong Jewellery &amp; Gem Fair September 2010, Rahul Dholakia,  managing director of marketing and finance at Shree Ramkrishna Export  said, \"SRK\'s aim other than crafting quality diamonds, is to have  continuous innovation at the forefront of our business ensuring  relevance to customers. One of those things is to bring a technological  edge to the diamond industry which is still steeped in tradition in  terms of conducting business. The another first of its kind from SRK,  \"Design Canvas\" will enable customers to create diamond jewellery layout  designs virtually and customize each detail that suit every palate.  This will also help them determine the exact price of the jewellery by  selecting the matching parameters of each diamond in the piece, to the  valuable stones available on our online library which comprises of  nearly 7,000-8,000 certified diamonds through our automated and advanced  search technology\".\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7769\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','Shree Ramkrishna Launches Design Canvas','','publish','open','open','','shree-ramkrishna-launches-design-canvas','','','2010-08-04 06:43:41','2010-08-04 06:43:41','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1230',0,'post','',0),(1231,1,'2010-08-04 06:37:45','2010-08-04 06:37:45','','Rahul-Dolakia','','inherit','open','open','','rahul-dolakia','','','2010-08-04 06:37:45','2010-08-04 06:37:45','',1230,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rahul-Dolakia.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1232,1,'2010-08-04 06:38:28','2010-08-04 06:38:28','Rahul Dholakia, managing director of marketing and finance at Shree Ramkrishna Export','Rahul-Dholakia','Rahul Dholakia','inherit','open','open','','rahul-dholakia','','','2010-08-04 06:38:28','2010-08-04 06:38:28','',1230,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rahul-Dholakia.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1233,1,'2010-08-04 06:37:38','2010-08-04 06:37:38','Shree  Ramkrishna Export, one of the largest diamond manufacturing companies  in the industry, introduces the beta version of \"Design Canvas\" on its  official B2B trading website srkexport.com. The Design Canvas is an  online application to help customers virtually sketch their diamond  jewellery designs, empowering them to accurately communicate with their  prospective customers of what is required to go into the actual making  on the piece.\n\nThe tool will allow for extreme precision, from which one can manufacture designs of any size – small or large.\n\nThe first of its kind in the diamond industry, this feature will give  customers the ability to custom build every piece of design and allow  them to translate the final design concept into reality.\n\nThis technology will be very helpful to customers in refining one\'s  design concepts and will show with proportional accuracy how a custom  jewellery will look when finished and able to quote in advance the exact  price of the product. This way one will have the most symmetrical, most  balanced and most beautiful custom jewellery as the final product.\n\nOne will also be able to document the designs which can be re-visited at  a later date to either edit or modify it. The feature will have an  option of printing and forwarding the design to anyone when required.\n\nCommenting on the launch of the \"Design Canvas\" at the Asia\'s biggest  show, Hong Kong Jewellery &amp; Gem Fair September 2010, Rahul Dholakia,  managing director of marketing and finance at Shree Ramkrishna Export  said, \"SRK\'s aim other than crafting quality diamonds, is to have  continuous innovation at the forefront of our business ensuring  relevance to customers. One of those things is to bring a technological  edge to the diamond industry which is still steeped in tradition in  terms of conducting business. The another first of its kind from SRK,  \"Design Canvas\" will enable customers to create diamond jewellery layout  designs virtually and customize each detail that suit every palate.  This will also help them determine the exact price of the jewellery by  selecting the matching parameters of each diamond in the piece, to the  valuable stones available on our online library which comprises of  nearly 7,000-8,000 certified diamonds through our automated and advanced  search technology\".','Shree Ramkrishna Launches Design Canvas','','inherit','open','open','','1230-revision','','','2010-08-04 06:37:38','2010-08-04 06:37:38','',1230,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1230-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1234,1,'2010-08-04 06:43:34','2010-08-04 06:43:34','[caption id=\"attachment_1232\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Rahul Dholakia\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rahul-Dholakia.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1232\" title=\"Rahul-Dholakia\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rahul-Dholakia.jpg\" alt=\"Rahul Dholakia\" width=\"150\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nShree  Ramkrishna Export, one of the largest diamond manufacturing companies  in the industry, introduces the beta version of \"Design Canvas\" on its  official B2B trading website srkexport.com. The Design Canvas is an  online application to help customers virtually sketch their diamond  jewellery designs, empowering them to accurately communicate with their  prospective customers of what is required to go into the actual making  on the piece.\n\nThe tool will allow for extreme precision, from which one can manufacture designs of any size – small or large.\n\nThe first of its kind in the diamond industry, this feature will give  customers the ability to custom build every piece of design and allow  them to translate the final design concept into reality.\n\nThis technology will be very helpful to customers in refining one\'s  design concepts and will show with proportional accuracy how a custom  jewellery will look when finished and able to quote in advance the exact  price of the product. This way one will have the most symmetrical, most  balanced and most beautiful custom jewellery as the final product.\n\nOne will also be able to document the designs which can be re-visited at  a later date to either edit or modify it. The feature will have an  option of printing and forwarding the design to anyone when required.\n\nCommenting on the launch of the \"Design Canvas\" at the Asia\'s biggest  show, Hong Kong Jewellery &amp; Gem Fair September 2010, Rahul Dholakia,  managing director of marketing and finance at Shree Ramkrishna Export  said, \"SRK\'s aim other than crafting quality diamonds, is to have  continuous innovation at the forefront of our business ensuring  relevance to customers. One of those things is to bring a technological  edge to the diamond industry which is still steeped in tradition in  terms of conducting business. The another first of its kind from SRK,  \"Design Canvas\" will enable customers to create diamond jewellery layout  designs virtually and customize each detail that suit every palate.  This will also help them determine the exact price of the jewellery by  selecting the matching parameters of each diamond in the piece, to the  valuable stones available on our online library which comprises of  nearly 7,000-8,000 certified diamonds through our automated and advanced  search technology\".\n\nRef: GJEPC','Shree Ramkrishna Launches Design Canvas','','inherit','open','open','','1230-autosave','','','2010-08-04 06:43:34','2010-08-04 06:43:34','',1230,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1230-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1235,1,'2010-08-04 06:39:30','2010-08-04 06:39:30','[caption id=\"attachment_1232\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\" caption=\"Rahul Dholakia\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rahul-Dholakia.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1232\" title=\"Rahul-Dholakia\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Rahul-Dholakia.jpg\" alt=\"Rahul Dholakia\" width=\"150\" height=\"185\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nShree  Ramkrishna Export, one of the largest diamond manufacturing companies  in the industry, introduces the beta version of \"Design Canvas\" on its  official B2B trading website srkexport.com. The Design Canvas is an  online application to help customers virtually sketch their diamond  jewellery designs, empowering them to accurately communicate with their  prospective customers of what is required to go into the actual making  on the piece.\r\n\r\nThe tool will allow for extreme precision, from which one can manufacture designs of any size – small or large.\r\n\r\nThe first of its kind in the diamond industry, this feature will give  customers the ability to custom build every piece of design and allow  them to translate the final design concept into reality.\r\n\r\nThis technology will be very helpful to customers in refining one\'s  design concepts and will show with proportional accuracy how a custom  jewellery will look when finished and able to quote in advance the exact  price of the product. This way one will have the most symmetrical, most  balanced and most beautiful custom jewellery as the final product.\r\n\r\nOne will also be able to document the designs which can be re-visited at  a later date to either edit or modify it. The feature will have an  option of printing and forwarding the design to anyone when required.\r\n\r\nCommenting on the launch of the \"Design Canvas\" at the Asia\'s biggest  show, Hong Kong Jewellery &amp; Gem Fair September 2010, Rahul Dholakia,  managing director of marketing and finance at Shree Ramkrishna Export  said, \"SRK\'s aim other than crafting quality diamonds, is to have  continuous innovation at the forefront of our business ensuring  relevance to customers. One of those things is to bring a technological  edge to the diamond industry which is still steeped in tradition in  terms of conducting business. The another first of its kind from SRK,  \"Design Canvas\" will enable customers to create diamond jewellery layout  designs virtually and customize each detail that suit every palate.  This will also help them determine the exact price of the jewellery by  selecting the matching parameters of each diamond in the piece, to the  valuable stones available on our online library which comprises of  nearly 7,000-8,000 certified diamonds through our automated and advanced  search technology\".','Shree Ramkrishna Launches Design Canvas','','inherit','open','open','','1230-revision-2','','','2010-08-04 06:39:30','2010-08-04 06:39:30','',1230,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1230-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1236,1,'2010-08-04 06:30:47','2010-08-04 06:30:47','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\"></a>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1225\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"350\" caption=\"FICCI conference\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1225\" title=\"Ficci_convention\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ficci_convention.jpg\" alt=\"FICCI conference\" width=\"350\" height=\"232\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nInaugurating  the FICCI Conference on Gemstones and Silver Jewellery, in Jaipur, on  22nd July, 2010, Mr. Rajendra Pareekh, Hon\'ble Minister for Industry,  NRIs, Public Undertaking, Economics &amp; Statistics, Excise, Govt. of  Rajasthan, conveyed his message of Samarpan and Sneh – of dedication and  friendliness, for industrial and all round progress, peace and  harmony.\r\n\r\nMr. Pareekh called for imbibing the mantra of innovation and skill  upgradation, and emphasized the need for spreading awareness and  knowledge. Expressing confidence that the building up of  Delhi-Mumbai-Industrial Corridor would hasten the speed of economic  progress of Rajasthan, he appealed to the industry to invest in the  politically stable State of Rajasthan.\r\n\r\nMr. Bijou Kurien, President and Chief Executive – Lifestyle, Reliance  Retail Ltd., said: \"The key driver of jewellery market is innovation\".  In this connection, he cited the examples of 18 carat Tanishq Jewellery  introduced in 1995 and 22 carat Tanishq Jewellery introduced in 1997,  which have made an impact through constant innovations.\r\n\r\n\"I see a vital role for India in taking the growth of Gems &amp;  Jewellery exports from US$ 25 billion to US50 billion registering an  increase in growth from 12% to 15%. In 5 years\", said Mr. Kurien. He  expected the demand for jewellery to clock 8.3% to 8.5% growth buoyed by  increasing prosperity leading to growth in people\'s aspirations. Mr.  Kurien informed that Government offered direct fiscal incentives to  jewellery manufacturing units in the Special Economic Zones.\r\n\r\nMr. Rajiv Jain, Vice-Chairman, Gem &amp; Jewellery Export Promotion  Council saw a great potential for the growth of India\'s gem and  jewellery market globally.   He was happy to see traditionally designed  jewellery vying with contemporarily designed jewellery. He pointed out  that this fastest growing sector worth US$28 billion has shown 16%  growth in 2009-10 in India. He lauded the industry for showing  resilience during global slowdown and remaining unaffected.','FICCI Conference On Gemstones & Silver Jewellery, Jaipur','','inherit','open','open','','1224-revision-3','','','2010-08-04 06:30:47','2010-08-04 06:30:47','',1224,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1224-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1237,1,'2010-08-04 06:47:10','2010-08-04 06:47:10','[caption id=\"attachment_1238\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"100\" caption=\"RJC Logo\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/RJC_logo.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1238\" title=\"RJC_logo\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/RJC_logo.jpg\" alt=\"RJC\" width=\"100\" height=\"157\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe  Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) welcomes the agreement reached by  the Kimberley Process (KP) that will enable the renewal of rough diamond  exports from the Marange diamond fields in Zimbabwe. The agreement was  reached during the World Diamond Council Meeting in St. Petersburg on  July 15th.\r\n\r\nThe RJC, like all other stakeholders, is encouraged by this agreement  and looks forward to its full and complete implementation by all  relevant actors.\r\n\r\nRJC congratulates all participants on this outcome which was reached  after many hours of diligent negotiation at KP meetings in Tel Aviv and  St Petersburg. RJC particularly acknowledges the efforts of the KP  Chairman, Boaz Hirsch, the World Diamond Council\'s Chairman, Eli  Izhakoff, the President &amp; CEO of Jewelers of America and Chairman of  the RJC, Matt Runci , Rio Tinto\'s General Manager of External Affairs  and RJC\'s Vice Chairman, John Hall, the CEO of the Jewelers Vigilance  Committee, Cecilia L. Gardener, the WFDB President, Avi Paz, the IDMA  President, Moti Ganz, as well as the government and civil society  delegations to the St Petersburg meeting, for their joint efforts in  achieving this successful result.\r\n\r\n\"The RJC Code of Practices includes four provisions requiring  conformance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for  rough diamonds. Full compliance with the KPCS is vital for RJC Members  and for the entire jewellery industry. As part of the RJC Certification  process, RJC Members will undergo independent, third party auditing of  their relevant business practices to evidence their conformance with the  RJC\'s requirements for KPCS compliance\", says Michael Rae, RJC\'s Chief  Executive Officer.\r\n\r\nRJC has established a Consultative Panel of external stakeholders to  engage in ongoing standards development activities with the Council. Of  particular relevance to the recent KP decision is the focus the RJC and  its Consultative Panel will bring to investigating the feasibility of  chain-of-custody certification for the diamond, gold and platinum  jewellery supply chains. A voluntary RJC chain-of-custody certification  for eligible products would be complementary to the RJC\'s existing  system for the independent third party certification of its Members\'  responsible business practices and a logical next step for the Council.\r\n\r\n\"We are grateful for the positive responses received from the many  stakeholders who have expressed enthusiasm and interest in participating  in the RJC Consultative Panel. Participants in the Consultative Panel  include leading non-government organisations, standards/supply chain  associations, research institutions, and companies that operate product  tracking systems. Future standards for chain-of-custody certification in  the jewellery industry can only benefit from this broad  multistakeholder engagement\", says Michael Rae.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7770\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','RJC Welcomes The Kimberley Process Agreement On Zimbabwe Diamonds','','publish','open','open','','rjc-welcomes-the-kimberley-process-agreement-on-zimbabwe-diamonds','','','2010-08-04 06:47:10','2010-08-04 06:47:10','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1237',0,'post','',0),(1238,1,'2010-08-04 06:46:14','2010-08-04 06:46:14','Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)','RJC_logo','RJC Logo','inherit','open','open','','rjc_logo','','','2010-08-04 06:46:14','2010-08-04 06:46:14','',1237,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/RJC_logo.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1239,1,'2010-08-04 06:45:37','2010-08-04 06:45:37','Ref: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7770\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','RJC Welcomes The Kimberley Process Agreement On Zimbabwe Diamonds','','inherit','open','open','','1237-revision','','','2010-08-04 06:45:37','2010-08-04 06:45:37','',1237,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1237-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1240,1,'2010-08-04 06:48:24','2010-08-04 06:48:24','[caption id=\"attachment_1238\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"100\" caption=\"RJC Logo\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/RJC_logo.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1238\" title=\"RJC_logo\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/RJC_logo.jpg\" alt=\"RJC\" width=\"100\" height=\"157\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThe  Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) welcomes the agreement reached by  the Kimberley Process (KP) that will enable the renewal of rough diamond  exports from the Marange diamond fields in Zimbabwe. The agreement was  reached during the World Diamond Council Meeting in St. Petersburg on  July 15th.\n\nThe RJC, like all other stakeholders, is encouraged by this agreement  and looks forward to its full and complete implementation by all  relevant actors.\n\nRJC congratulates all participants on this outcome which was reached  after many hours of diligent negotiation at KP meetings in Tel Aviv and  St Petersburg. RJC particularly acknowledges the efforts of the KP  Chairman, Boaz Hirsch, the World Diamond Council\'s Chairman, Eli  Izhakoff, the President &amp; CEO of Jewelers of America and Chairman of  the RJC, Matt Runci , Rio Tinto\'s General Manager of External Affairs  and RJC\'s Vice Chairman, John Hall, the CEO of the Jewelers Vigilance  Committee, Cecilia L. Gardener, the WFDB President, Avi Paz, the IDMA  President, Moti Ganz, as well as the government and civil society  delegations to the St Petersburg meeting, for their joint efforts in  achieving this successful result.\n\n\"The RJC Code of Practices includes four provisions requiring  conformance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for  rough diamonds. Full compliance with the KPCS is vital for RJC Members  and for the entire jewellery industry. As part of the RJC Certification  process, RJC Members will undergo independent, third party auditing of  their relevant business practices to evidence their conformance with the  RJC\'s requirements for KPCS compliance\", says Michael Rae, RJC\'s Chief  Executive Officer.\n\nRJC has established a Consultative Panel of external stakeholders to  engage in ongoing standards development activities with the Council. Of  particular relevance to the recent KP decision is the focus the RJC and  its Consultative Panel will bring to investigating the feasibility of  chain-of-custody certification for the diamond, gold and platinum  jewellery supply chains. A voluntary RJC chain-of-custody certification  for eligible products would be complementary to the RJC\'s existing  system for the independent third party certification of its Members\'  responsible business practices and a logical next step for the Council.\n\n\"We are grateful for the positive responses received from the many  stakeholders who have expressed enthusiasm and interest in participating  in the RJC Consultative Panel. Participants in the Consultative Panel  include leading non-government organisations, standards/supply chain  associations, research institutions, and companies that operate product  tracking systems. Future standards for chain-of-custody certification in  the jewellery industry can only benefit from this broad  multistakeholder engagement\", says Michael Rae.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7770\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','RJC Welcomes The Kimberley Process Agreement On Zimbabwe Diamonds','','inherit','open','open','','1237-autosave','','','2010-08-04 06:48:24','2010-08-04 06:48:24','',1237,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1237-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1241,1,'2010-08-04 06:51:03','2010-08-04 06:51:03','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/debeers_logo.bmp\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1242\" title=\"debeers_logo\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/debeers_logo.bmp\" alt=\"De Beers\" /></a>De  Beers has announced that it had received approaches from potential  investors interested in purchasing Namaqualand Mines and Finsch Mine in  the Northern Cape. The interest comes on the back of the continuing  recovery in the diamond market.\r\n\r\nTo assess these expressions of interest appropriately, De Beers will  undertake a systematic review process that will include evaluating the  offers received from companies with good mining track records, and  strong empowerment credentials. In addition interested parties will have  to satisfy many other economic, social and environmental criteria when  formulating their submissions.\r\n\r\nThe Acting CEO of De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM), Barend Petersen  stated; \"We have had approaches from companies interested in discussing  the future of Namaqualand Mines and Finsch Mine in the Northern Cape. De  Beers has decided to invite separate expressions of interest in each  mine through a select tender process\".\r\n\r\nIt is expected that the process will take a number of months to reach a  conclusion - extending at least well into 2011.  Production at Finsch  will continue as planned, while economic development and environmental  rehabilitation projects will continue at Namaqualand Mines where  production was temporarily suspended in April 2010.\r\n\r\nBarend Petersen concluded: \"Should  attractive offers be forthcoming the  introduction of a new investor at Finsch, with its significant  underground resources, and at Namaqualand, with its alluvial reserves,  will impact positively on the Northern Cape and extend the life of the  mines into the next decade at least\".\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7767\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','De Beers Considering Interest Expressed In Two Mines','','publish','open','open','','de-beers-considering-interest-expressed-in-two-mines','','','2010-08-04 06:51:03','2010-08-04 06:51:03','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1241',0,'post','',0),(1242,1,'2010-08-04 06:50:33','2010-08-04 06:50:33','De Beers Logo','debeers_logo','De Beers','inherit','open','open','','debeers_logo','','','2010-08-04 06:50:33','2010-08-04 06:50:33','',1241,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/debeers_logo.bmp',0,'attachment','image/bmp',0),(1243,1,'2010-08-04 06:49:51','2010-08-04 06:49:51','','De Beers Considering Interest Expressed In Two Mines','','inherit','open','open','','1241-revision','','','2010-08-04 06:49:51','2010-08-04 06:49:51','',1241,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1241-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1244,1,'2010-08-04 06:52:07','2010-08-04 06:52:07','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/debeers_logo.bmp\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1242\" title=\"debeers_logo\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/debeers_logo.bmp\" alt=\"De Beers\" /></a>De  Beers has announced that it had received approaches from potential  investors interested in purchasing Namaqualand Mines and Finsch Mine in  the Northern Cape. The interest comes on the back of the continuing  recovery in the diamond market.\n\nTo assess these expressions of interest appropriately, De Beers will  undertake a systematic review process that will include evaluating the  offers received from companies with good mining track records, and  strong empowerment credentials. In addition interested parties will have  to satisfy many other economic, social and environmental criteria when  formulating their submissions.\n\nThe Acting CEO of De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM), Barend Petersen  stated; \"We have had approaches from companies interested in discussing  the future of Namaqualand Mines and Finsch Mine in the Northern Cape. De  Beers has decided to invite separate expressions of interest in each  mine through a select tender process\".\n\nIt is expected that the process will take a number of months to reach a  conclusion - extending at least well into 2011.  Production at Finsch  will continue as planned, while economic development and environmental  rehabilitation projects will continue at Namaqualand Mines where  production was temporarily suspended in April 2010.\n\nBarend Petersen concluded: \"Should  attractive offers be forthcoming the  introduction of a new investor at Finsch, with its significant  underground resources, and at Namaqualand, with its alluvial reserves,  will impact positively on the Northern Cape and extend the life of the  mines into the next decade at least\".\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7767\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','De Beers Considering Interest Expressed In Two Mines','','inherit','open','open','','1241-autosave','','','2010-08-04 06:52:07','2010-08-04 06:52:07','',1241,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1241-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1245,1,'2010-08-06 16:58:53','2010-08-06 16:58:53','The man who received uncut diamonds from  supermodel Naomi Campbell after a 1997 charity dinner with then-South  African President Nelson Mandela said on Friday he had handed them over  to police.\r\n<p id=\"ynw-article-part2\">Jeremy Ratcliffe, the former manager of  Mandela\'s Children\'s Fund charity, said in a statement he took the three  stones from Campbell a day after she received them because he feared  she might be breaking the law by taking them out of South Africa.</p>\r\nTestifying  on Thursday at the Hague war crimes tribunal of former Liberian ruler  Charles Taylor, Campbell said she had received some \"dirty looking  pebbles\" after the charity dinner. But she said she did not know if they  were blood diamonds or whether the unidentified donor had been Taylor.\r\n\r\n\"Naomi  suggested they could be of some benefit to the Nelson Mandela  Children\'s Fund (NMCF) -- but I told her I would not involve the NMCF in  anything that could possibly be illegal,\" Ratcliffe said. \"In the end I  decided I should just keep them.\"\r\n\r\n\"A factor that influenced me  not to report the matter to anyone was to protect the reputation of the  NMCF, Mr. Mandela himself and Naomi Campbell, none of whom were  benefiting in any way,\" he added.\r\n\r\nRatcliffe handed over the stones on Thursday, shortly after Campbell\'s testimony, police spokesman Musa Zondi said.\r\n\r\n\"They  are now being handed over to the diamonds board for authentication and  whatever happens after depends on a number of other things but there is  an offence against possessing uncut diamonds,\" Zondi said.\r\n\r\nA decision on investigating further or laying charges would wait until after the authentication process, he said.\r\n\r\nTaylor  is charged with 11 counts of instigating murder, rape, mutilation,  sexual slavery and conscription of child soldiers during wars in Liberia  and Sierra Leone in which more than 250,000 people were killed. He  denies all charges.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20100806/tts-uk-warcrimes-taylor-campbell-ca02f96.html\" target=\"_blank\">Yahoo</a>','Naomi Campbell\'s \"dirty\" diamonds given to South Africa police','','publish','open','open','','naomi-campbells-dirty-diamonds-given-to-south-africa-police','','','2010-08-06 16:58:53','2010-08-06 16:58:53','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1245',0,'post','',0),(1246,1,'2010-08-06 16:56:54','2010-08-06 16:56:54','The man who received uncut diamonds from  supermodel Naomi Campbell after a 1997 charity dinner with then-South  African President Nelson Mandela said on Friday he had handed them over  to police.','Naomi Campbell\'s \"dirty\" diamonds given to South Africa police','','inherit','open','open','','1245-revision','','','2010-08-06 16:56:54','2010-08-06 16:56:54','',1245,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1245-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1247,1,'2010-08-06 17:00:23','2010-08-06 17:00:23','The man who received uncut diamonds from  supermodel Naomi Campbell after a 1997 charity dinner with then-South  African President Nelson Mandela said on Friday he had handed them over  to police.\n<p id=\"ynw-article-part2\">Jeremy Ratcliffe, the former manager of  Mandela\'s Children\'s Fund charity, said in a statement he took the three  stones from Campbell a day after she received them because he feared  she might be breaking the law by taking them out of South Africa.</p>\nTestifying  on Thursday at the Hague war crimes tribunal of former Liberian ruler  Charles Taylor, Campbell said she had received some \"dirty looking  pebbles\" after the charity dinner. But she said she did not know if they  were blood diamonds or whether the unidentified donor had been Taylor.\n\n\"Naomi  suggested they could be of some benefit to the Nelson Mandela  Children\'s Fund (NMCF) -- but I told her I would not involve the NMCF in  anything that could possibly be illegal,\" Ratcliffe said. \"In the end I  decided I should just keep them.\"\n\n\"A factor that influenced me  not to report the matter to anyone was to protect the reputation of the  NMCF, Mr. Mandela himself and Naomi Campbell, none of whom were  benefiting in any way,\" he added.\n\nRatcliffe handed over the stones on Thursday, shortly after Campbell\'s testimony, police spokesman Musa Zondi said.\n\n\"They  are now being handed over to the diamonds board for authentication and  whatever happens after depends on a number of other things but there is  an offence against possessing uncut diamonds,\" Zondi said.\n\nA decision on investigating further or laying charges would wait until after the authentication process, he said.\n\nTaylor  is charged with 11 counts of instigating murder, rape, mutilation,  sexual slavery and conscription of child soldiers during wars in Liberia  and Sierra Leone in which more than 250,000 people were killed. He  denies all charges.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20100806/tts-uk-warcrimes-taylor-campbell-ca02f96.html\" target=\"_blank\">Yahoo</a>','Naomi Campbell\'s \"dirty\" diamonds given to South Africa police','','inherit','open','open','','1245-autosave','','','2010-08-06 17:00:23','2010-08-06 17:00:23','',1245,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1245-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1308,1,'2010-08-18 17:54:27','2010-08-18 17:54:27','Rio  Tinto\'s diamond business has reinforced its commitment to the Indian  diamond industry with the announcement of a new and innovative marketing  initiative focussed on the Indian bridal occasion.\r\n\r\nThe campaign, titled \"Nazraana\" was announced at Rio Tinto\'s recent  India 2010 Symposium in Goa. The India Symposium 2010 was a unique  opportunity for 58 Indian diamond jewellery retailers to meet with Rio  Tinto\'s Select Diamantaires to discuss new avenues for the distribution  of Rio Tinto diamonds in the growing domestic market.\r\n\r\nCommenting on the recent Symposium, Jean-Marc Lieberherr, General  Manager for the sales and marketing for all diamonds from Rio Tinto\'s  mines said, \"We are very confident in the growth prospects for diamond  jewellery consumption in India and the recent Symposium is just one  example of how we are working to develop a strong connection with the  Indian retail community and deepen our understanding of this important  element of the diamond supply chain\".\r\n\r\nThe Nazraana initiative is underpinned by research that supports the  fact that, in addition to the traditional bridal jewellery set, there is  an emerging demand for diamond accessories as an ideal gift for family  and friends celebrating at Indian weddings.\r\n\r\nAccording to Vikram Merchant, Manager of Rio Tinto\'s India  Representative Office, \"We see a great opportunity here to work with  Indian jewellery retailers to fill a gap in the market for affordable  diamond jewellery accessories for the bridal occasion in India. Rio  Tinto\'s Argyle production is well suited to bridal accessories and we  will work with our Select Diamantaires to ensure Indian retailers are  supplied with the necessary product and support materials to create this  new market segment\".\r\n\r\nThe Nazraana initiative provides a structured training program for  Indian retailers and their sales associates that will guide them in  achieving incremental sales, without impacting the main bridal sale. The  program includes selling and visual merchandising techniques and will  be conducted at venues all over India.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7785\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','Rio Tinto Announces New Market Development Initiative For Indian Diamond Industry','','publish','open','open','','rio-tinto-announces-new-market-development-initiative-for-indian-diamond-industry','','','2010-08-18 17:54:27','2010-08-18 17:54:27','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1308',0,'post','',0),(1249,1,'2010-08-08 16:30:19','2010-08-08 16:30:19','MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse, a macroeconomic report tracking  national retail and service sales, determined that retail sales for most  categories remained flat in July 2010, RAPAPORT reported. The  SpendingPulse Luxury Index, which encompassed high-end sales in  restaurant, food stores, department stores, and high-end general apparel  retailers increased 0.2 percent. This performance was a notable drop  from double-digit growth experienced between February through April  2010.\r\n\r\nMichael McNamara, vice president of research and analysis for  SpendingPulse, observed, “Overall, retail sales continued to tread  water, following the pattern set with June’s sales when consumers  demonstrated a reluctance to make larger purchases, and instead, traded  down.  Particularly, we are noticing some weakness in industry sectors  that rely on higher priced ticket items such as furniture and  discretionary areas such as luxury and jewelry.  We are also seeing this  pattern echoed in the restaurant business, where we have seen consumers  shift from full-service restaurants and particularly fine dining, to  limited-service and quick-service outlets.”\r\nOn a positive note, e-commerce sales rose 10.9 percent on a  year-over-year basis, in contrast with June, when for the first time  since November 2009 it dipped to growth only in the single digits.\r\n\r\nSpendingPulse also concluded that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico  had a severe impact on certain retail  figures and especially hotel  figures in resort beach towns.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://rough-polished.com/en/news/41377.html\" target=\"_blank\">Rough-Polished.com</a>','SpendingPulse Reports Flat Sales for Luxury Goods','','publish','open','open','','spendingpulse-reports-flat-sales-for-luxury-goods','','','2010-08-08 16:32:23','2010-08-08 16:32:23','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1249',0,'post','',0),(1250,1,'2010-08-08 16:30:08','2010-08-08 16:30:08','MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse, a macroeconomic report tracking  national retail and service sales, determined that retail sales for most  categories remained flat in July 2010, RAPAPORT reported. The  SpendingPulse Luxury Index, which encompassed high-end sales in  restaurant, food stores, department stores, and high-end general apparel  retailers increased 0.2 percent. This performance was a notable drop  from double-digit growth experienced between February through April  2010.\nMichael McNamara, vice president of research and analysis for  SpendingPulse, observed, “Overall, retail sales continued to tread  water, following the pattern set with June’s sales when consumers  demonstrated a reluctance to make larger purchases, and instead, traded  down.  Particularly, we are noticing some weakness in industry sectors  that rely on higher priced ticket items such as furniture and  discretionary areas such as luxury and jewelry.  We are also seeing this  pattern echoed in the restaurant business, where we have seen consumers  shift from full-service restaurants and particularly fine dining, to  limited-service and quick-service outlets.”\nOn a positive note, e-commerce sales rose 10.9 percent on a  year-over-year basis, in contrast with June, when for the first time  since November 2009 it dipped to growth only in the single digits.\nSpendingPulse also concluded that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico  had a severe impact on certain retail  figures and especially hotel  figures in resort beach towns.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://rough-polished.com/en/news/41377.html\" target=\"_blank\">Rough-Polished.com</a>','SpendingPulse Reports Flat Sales for Luxury Goods','','inherit','open','open','','1249-revision','','','2010-08-08 16:30:08','2010-08-08 16:30:08','',1249,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1249-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1251,1,'2010-08-08 16:31:52','2010-08-08 16:31:52','MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse, a macroeconomic report tracking  national retail and service sales, determined that retail sales for most  categories remained flat in July 2010, RAPAPORT reported. The  SpendingPulse Luxury Index, which encompassed high-end sales in  restaurant, food stores, department stores, and high-end general apparel  retailers increased 0.2 percent. This performance was a notable drop  from double-digit growth experienced between February through April  2010.\nMichael McNamara, vice president of research and analysis for  SpendingPulse, observed, “Overall, retail sales continued to tread  water, following the pattern set with June’s sales when consumers  demonstrated a reluctance to make larger purchases, and instead, traded  down.  Particularly, we are noticing some weakness in industry sectors  that rely on higher priced ticket items such as furniture and  discretionary areas such as luxury and jewelry.  We are also seeing this  pattern echoed in the restaurant business, where we have seen consumers  shift from full-service restaurants and particularly fine dining, to  limited-service and quick-service outlets.”\nOn a positive note, e-commerce sales rose 10.9 percent on a  year-over-year basis, in contrast with June, when for the first time  since November 2009 it dipped to growth only in the single digits.\nSpendingPulse also concluded that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico  had a severe impact on certain retail  figures and especially hotel  figures in resort beach towns.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://rough-polished.com/en/news/41377.html\" target=\"_blank\">Rough-Polished.com</a>','SpendingPulse Reports Flat Sales for Luxury Goods','','inherit','open','open','','1249-autosave','','','2010-08-08 16:31:52','2010-08-08 16:31:52','',1249,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1249-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1252,1,'2010-08-08 16:30:19','2010-08-08 16:30:19','MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse, a macroeconomic report tracking  national retail and service sales, determined that retail sales for most  categories remained flat in July 2010, RAPAPORT reported. The  SpendingPulse Luxury Index, which encompassed high-end sales in  restaurant, food stores, department stores, and high-end general apparel  retailers increased 0.2 percent. This performance was a notable drop  from double-digit growth experienced between February through April  2010.\r\nMichael McNamara, vice president of research and analysis for  SpendingPulse, observed, “Overall, retail sales continued to tread  water, following the pattern set with June’s sales when consumers  demonstrated a reluctance to make larger purchases, and instead, traded  down.  Particularly, we are noticing some weakness in industry sectors  that rely on higher priced ticket items such as furniture and  discretionary areas such as luxury and jewelry.  We are also seeing this  pattern echoed in the restaurant business, where we have seen consumers  shift from full-service restaurants and particularly fine dining, to  limited-service and quick-service outlets.”\r\nOn a positive note, e-commerce sales rose 10.9 percent on a  year-over-year basis, in contrast with June, when for the first time  since November 2009 it dipped to growth only in the single digits.\r\nSpendingPulse also concluded that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico  had a severe impact on certain retail  figures and especially hotel  figures in resort beach towns.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://rough-polished.com/en/news/41377.html\" target=\"_blank\">Rough-Polished.com</a>','SpendingPulse Reports Flat Sales for Luxury Goods','','inherit','open','open','','1249-revision-2','','','2010-08-08 16:30:19','2010-08-08 16:30:19','',1249,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1249-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1253,1,'2010-08-08 16:39:43','2010-08-08 16:39:43','Rio Tinto, which has diamond mining interests in Zimbabwe’s Murowa mine,  Canada’s Diavik mine and Australia’s Argyle mine, reported an acute  increase in earnings from these operations in the first half of the  year.\r\n\r\nIt said in a statement that the diamond sales by the company totaled  $326 million in the period, a 77.2 percent increase from the prior year.\r\n\r\n“Demand and prices for rough diamonds strengthened significantly in the  first half of 2010 as economies emerged from the global financial  recession,” Rio Tinto said.\r\n\r\n“Continued demand growth in both India and China, as well as continued  restocking of the diamond supply chain, were the key factors in the  recovery.”\r\n\r\nThe miner produced 7.1 million carats during the six month period.\r\nMeanwhile, Rio Tinto’s group gross sales revenues leaped 37 percent to $26.77 billion.\r\n\r\nIts net earnings upped 260 percent to 5.85 billion USD, while net debt  was reduced to $12 billion from $39 billion, a year earlier.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://rough-polished.com/en/news/41358.html\" target=\"_blank\">Rough-Polished.com</a>','Rio Tinto posts higher H1 earnings from diamond mines','','publish','open','open','','rio-tinto-posts-higher-h1-earnings-from-diamond-mines','','','2010-08-08 16:39:43','2010-08-08 16:39:43','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1253',0,'post','',0),(1254,1,'2010-08-08 16:39:18','2010-08-08 16:39:18','Rio Tinto, which has diamond mining interests in Zimbabwe’s Murowa mine,  Canada’s Diavik mine and Australia’s Argyle mine, reported an acute  increase in earnings from these operations in the first half of the  year.\n\nIt said in a statement that the diamond sales by the company totaled  $326 million in the period, a 77.2 percent increase from the prior year.\n\n“Demand and prices for rough diamonds strengthened significantly in the  first half of 2010 as economies emerged from the global financial  recession,” Rio Tinto said.\n\n“Continued demand growth in both India and China, as well as continued  restocking of the diamond supply chain, were the key factors in the  recovery.”\n\nThe miner produced 7.1 million carats during the six month period.\nMeanwhile, Rio Tinto’s group gross sales revenues leaped 37 percent to $26.77 billion.\n\nIts net earnings upped 260 percent to 5.85 billion USD, while net debt  was reduced to $12 billion from $39 billion, a year earlier.\n\nRef: Rough-Polished.com','Rio Tinto posts higher H1 earnings from diamond mines','','inherit','open','open','','1253-revision','','','2010-08-08 16:39:18','2010-08-08 16:39:18','',1253,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1253-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1255,1,'2010-08-08 16:40:48','2010-08-08 16:40:48','Rio Tinto, which has diamond mining interests in Zimbabwe’s Murowa mine,  Canada’s Diavik mine and Australia’s Argyle mine, reported an acute  increase in earnings from these operations in the first half of the  year.\n\nIt said in a statement that the diamond sales by the company totaled  $326 million in the period, a 77.2 percent increase from the prior year.\n\n“Demand and prices for rough diamonds strengthened significantly in the  first half of 2010 as economies emerged from the global financial  recession,” Rio Tinto said.\n\n“Continued demand growth in both India and China, as well as continued  restocking of the diamond supply chain, were the key factors in the  recovery.”\n\nThe miner produced 7.1 million carats during the six month period.\nMeanwhile, Rio Tinto’s group gross sales revenues leaped 37 percent to $26.77 billion.\n\nIts net earnings upped 260 percent to 5.85 billion USD, while net debt  was reduced to $12 billion from $39 billion, a year earlier.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://rough-polished.com/en/news/41358.html\" target=\"_blank\">Rough-Polished.com</a>','Rio Tinto posts higher H1 earnings from diamond mines','','inherit','open','open','','1253-autosave','','','2010-08-08 16:40:48','2010-08-08 16:40:48','',1253,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1253-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1256,1,'2010-08-08 16:43:44','2010-08-08 16:43:44','Reports say South Africa, which is currently the world’s fifth leading  diamond producer by value is set to harness Russian technology to add  value to its vast mineral resource.\r\n\r\nBusiness Day quoted the country’s Trade and Industry minister Rob Davies  as saying the move would help South Africa gain the full economies of  scale.\r\n“Our policy is to encourage investment in higher levels of beneficiation of SA’s mineral products,” he was quoted as saying.\r\n\r\n“[This process would] add value to our economy and make returns for those investments more equitable and more growth-enhancing.”\r\nHis comments come ahead of a two-day official visit by South African President Jacob Zuma to the Russian Federation.\r\nZuma, who is expected to address the SA-Russia Business Council, was  accompanied by a high-profile contingent of 70 business people.\r\n\r\nBusiness Day quoted Business Unity SA chief executive Jerry Vilakazi as  saying that the business interaction between the two countries was  taking place in an “auspicious time” when the Russian government had  announced a wide-ranging plan to sell shares in a number of its  state-owned entities.\r\n\r\nSouth Africa had been experiencing a trade deficit with Russia for some time.','SA to exploit Russian technology to beneficiate mineral resources','','publish','open','open','','sa-to-exploit-russian-technology-to-beneficiate-mineral-resources','','','2010-08-08 16:43:44','2010-08-08 16:43:44','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1256',0,'post','',0),(1257,1,'2010-08-08 16:43:10','2010-08-08 16:43:10','Reports say South Africa, which is currently the world’s fifth leading  diamond producer by value is set to harness Russian technology to add  value to its vast mineral resource.\n\nBusiness Day quoted the country’s Trade and Industry minister Rob Davies  as saying the move would help South Africa gain the full economies of  scale.\n“Our policy is to encourage investment in higher levels of beneficiation of SA’s mineral products,” he was quoted as saying.\n\n“[This process would] add value to our economy and make returns for those investments more equitable and more growth-enhancing.”\nHis comments come ahead of a two-day official visit by South African President Jacob Zuma to the Russian Federation.\nZuma, who is expected to address the SA-Russia Business Council, was  accompanied by a high-profile contingent of 70 business people.\nBusiness Day quoted Business Unity SA chief executive Jerry Vilakazi as  saying that the business interaction between the two countries was  taking place in an “auspicious time” when the Russian government had  announced a wide-ranging plan to sell shares in a number of its  state-owned entities.\n\nSouth Africa had been experiencing a trade deficit with Russia for some time.','SA to exploit Russian technology to beneficiate mineral resources','','inherit','open','open','','1256-revision','','','2010-08-08 16:43:10','2010-08-08 16:43:10','',1256,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1256-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1258,1,'2010-08-08 16:55:24','2010-08-08 16:55:24','The  International Gemological Institute (IGI) graduated its first polished  diamond-grading class, offered in collaboration with Fudan University’s  Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts (SIVA). The ten-day IGI/SIVA course,  which began July 5 and culminated in a graduation ceremony on July 16,  was designed to provide students with a thorough foundation in  international grading standards. Graduates were equipped to identify,  grade and understand diamonds according to world grading and market  standards.\r\n\r\nFollowing the success of its previous pilot classes, IGI and SIVA  initiated an agreement in February to develop gemological programs to  support the school’s jewelry design curriculum. In an effort to make its  first joint offering more suitable for Chinese students, IGI utilized  years of market research and added several chapters specially customized  for the nation.\r\n\r\nJean Mangnay, IGI\'s head of education, and Wang Yuting, IGI\'s  Shanghai-based instructor, led the course. Mangnay said, “It was clear  the students wanted to make their mark in this industry. They spent a  huge amount of time and energy trying to understand the core values of  diamond practice.”\r\n\r\nHe continued, “It was quickly obvious these  students wanted to soak up as much gemological knowledge as they  possibly could from their course materials and interactions with  teachers.”\r\n\r\nIGI has been running educational programs since 1981.  Offering career-oriented students the option to pursue the IGI Graduate  Gemologist Diploma, these programs are taught in more than a dozen  countries, including India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Italy,  Turkey and Belgium. In China, IGI has graduated more than 1,000 students  since 2000.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=32022\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','IGI, Fudan Graduate First Round of Students','','publish','open','open','','igi-fudan-graduate-first-round-of-students','','','2010-08-08 16:55:24','2010-08-08 16:55:24','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1258',0,'post','',0),(1259,1,'2010-08-08 16:54:59','2010-08-08 16:54:59','The  International Gemological Institute (IGI) graduated its first polished  diamond-grading class, offered in collaboration with Fudan University’s  Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts (SIVA). The ten-day IGI/SIVA course,  which began July 5 and culminated in a graduation ceremony on July 16,  was designed to provide students with a thorough foundation in  international grading standards. Graduates were equipped to identify,  grade and understand diamonds according to world grading and market  standards.\n\nFollowing the success of its previous pilot classes, IGI and SIVA  initiated an agreement in February to develop gemological programs to  support the school’s jewelry design curriculum. In an effort to make its  first joint offering more suitable for Chinese students, IGI utilized  years of market research and added several chapters specially customized  for the nation.\n\nJean Mangnay, IGI\'s head of education, and Wang Yuting, IGI\'s  Shanghai-based instructor, led the course. Mangnay said, “It was clear  the students wanted to make their mark in this industry. They spent a  huge amount of time and energy trying to understand the core values of  diamond practice.”\n\nHe continued, “It was quickly obvious these  students wanted to soak up as much gemological knowledge as they  possibly could from their course materials and interactions with  teachers.”\n\nIGI has been running educational programs since 1981.  Offering career-oriented students the option to pursue the IGI Graduate  Gemologist Diploma, these programs are taught in more than a dozen  countries, including India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Italy,  Turkey and Belgium. In China, IGI has graduated more than 1,000 students  since 2000.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=32022\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','IGI, Fudan Graduate First Round of Students','','inherit','open','open','','1258-revision','','','2010-08-08 16:54:59','2010-08-08 16:54:59','',1258,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1258-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1260,1,'2010-08-08 17:10:19','2010-08-08 17:10:19','Owners and  operators of eight shops in San Francisco\'s Fisherman Wharf district   were charged in a 25-count indictment as part of the largest U.S.  federal enforcement action ever taken against West Coast retailers.  Authorities found counterfeit jewelry and watches,  designer apparel and  accessories.\r\n\r\n\"Interdicting and destroying counterfeit and trademark infringing  goods has long been a priority of the federal government,\" said Joseph  P. Russoniello, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California.   \"The significant impact of trafficking in such merchandise on the  American economy should be obvious. Wherever evidence leads to the  identification of persons engaged in that enterprise, the Department of  Justice will vigorously pursue the case and prosecute the offenders.\"\r\n\r\nThe indictment was  unsealed yesterday morning and charges the  defendants with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, and  trafficking in counterfeit goods. The investigation led to the seizure  of nearly $100 million worth of counterfeit merchandise.\r\n\r\n\"To consumers who think designer knockoffs are a harmless way to beat  the system and get a great deal, \'buyer beware,\'\" said John Morton,  director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. \"Trademark  infringement and intellectual property crime not only cost this country  much needed jobs and business revenues, but the illegal importation of  substandard products can also pose a serious threat to consumers\' health  and safety.\"\r\n\r\nDefendants began making their initial appearances in federal court  yesterday morning. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and a  $250,000 fine for smuggling goods into the United States; 10 years in  prison and a $2 million fine for each count of trafficking in  counterfeit goods; and five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for  conspiring to traffic in counterfeit goods.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=32024\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Feds Charge Merchants for Trafficking Counterfeit Goods','','publish','open','open','','feds-charge-merchants-for-trafficking-counterfeit-goods','','','2010-08-08 17:10:19','2010-08-08 17:10:19','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1260',0,'post','',0),(1261,1,'2010-08-08 17:10:03','2010-08-08 17:10:03','Owners and  operators of eight shops in San Francisco\'s Fisherman Wharf district   were charged in a 25-count indictment as part of the largest U.S.  federal enforcement action ever taken against West Coast retailers.  Authorities found counterfeit jewelry and watches,  designer apparel and  accessories.\n\n\"Interdicting and destroying counterfeit and trademark infringing  goods has long been a priority of the federal government,\" said Joseph  P. Russoniello, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California.   \"The significant impact of trafficking in such merchandise on the  American economy should be obvious. Wherever evidence leads to the  identification of persons engaged in that enterprise, the Department of  Justice will vigorously pursue the case and prosecute the offenders.\"\n\nThe indictment was  unsealed yesterday morning and charges the  defendants with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, and  trafficking in counterfeit goods. The investigation led to the seizure  of nearly $100 million worth of counterfeit merchandise.\n\n\"To consumers who think designer knockoffs are a harmless way to beat  the system and get a great deal, \'buyer beware,\'\" said John Morton,  director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. \"Trademark  infringement and intellectual property crime not only cost this country  much needed jobs and business revenues, but the illegal importation of  substandard products can also pose a serious threat to consumers\' health  and safety.\"\n\nDefendants began making their initial appearances in federal court  yesterday morning. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and a  $250,000 fine for smuggling goods into the United States; 10 years in  prison and a $2 million fine for each count of trafficking in  counterfeit goods; and five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for  conspiring to traffic in counterfeit goods.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=32024\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Feds Charge Merchants for Trafficking Counterfeit Goods','','inherit','open','open','','1260-revision','','','2010-08-08 17:10:03','2010-08-08 17:10:03','',1260,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1260-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1262,1,'2010-08-08 17:11:23','2010-08-08 17:11:23','Owners and  operators of eight shops in San Francisco\'s Fisherman Wharf district   were charged in a 25-count indictment as part of the largest U.S.  federal enforcement action ever taken against West Coast retailers.  Authorities found counterfeit jewelry and watches,  designer apparel and  accessories.\n\n\"Interdicting and destroying counterfeit and trademark infringing  goods has long been a priority of the federal government,\" said Joseph  P. Russoniello, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California.   \"The significant impact of trafficking in such merchandise on the  American economy should be obvious. Wherever evidence leads to the  identification of persons engaged in that enterprise, the Department of  Justice will vigorously pursue the case and prosecute the offenders.\"\n\nThe indictment was  unsealed yesterday morning and charges the  defendants with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, and  trafficking in counterfeit goods. The investigation led to the seizure  of nearly $100 million worth of counterfeit merchandise.\n\n\"To consumers who think designer knockoffs are a harmless way to beat  the system and get a great deal, \'buyer beware,\'\" said John Morton,  director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. \"Trademark  infringement and intellectual property crime not only cost this country  much needed jobs and business revenues, but the illegal importation of  substandard products can also pose a serious threat to consumers\' health  and safety.\"\n\nDefendants began making their initial appearances in federal court  yesterday morning. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and a  $250,000 fine for smuggling goods into the United States; 10 years in  prison and a $2 million fine for each count of trafficking in  counterfeit goods; and five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for  conspiring to traffic in counterfeit goods.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=32024\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','Feds Charge Merchants for Trafficking Counterfeit Goods','','inherit','open','open','','1260-autosave','','','2010-08-08 17:11:23','2010-08-08 17:11:23','',1260,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1260-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1263,1,'2010-08-08 17:13:16','2010-08-08 17:13:16','LJ  International Inc. opened its 110th ENZO retail store today.  The new  jewelry boutique is located in the TFF Store, a high-end luxury shopping  mall in Tianjin, China. There are nine ENZO stores in in Tianjin, a  city with approximately 12.8 million residents. The TFF Store is ENZO\'s  largest location and will serve as a flagship space in Tianjin.\r\n\r\n\"As LJI continues to expand its retail operations throughout China, a  location in the TFF Store adds both presence and prestige to the ENZO  name,\" said Yu Chuan Yih, chairman of the jeweler. \"ENZO\'s trademark  colored-stoned jewelry caters to the growing middle class looking for  affordable luxury. Being situated in one of the most well-known,  high-end malls enables ENZO to capitalize on customer traffic from their  target market. We are honored to be located within the TFF Store, as  obtaining space in the mall is valuable to both our brand name and our  business.\"\r\n\r\nThe TFF Store records annual sales of approximately $1.5 billion,  according to LJ International.  TFF Store drives customer traffic  throughout the year by featuring monthly marketing themes and sponsoring  holiday specific  activities.','ENZO Opens 110th Store','','publish','open','open','','enzo-opens-110th-store','','','2010-08-08 17:13:16','2010-08-08 17:13:16','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1263',0,'post','',0),(1264,1,'2010-08-08 17:13:02','2010-08-08 17:13:02','LJ  International Inc. opened its 110th ENZO retail store today.  The new  jewelry boutique is located in the TFF Store, a high-end luxury shopping  mall in Tianjin, China. There are nine ENZO stores in in Tianjin, a  city with approximately 12.8 million residents. The TFF Store is ENZO\'s  largest location and will serve as a flagship space in Tianjin.\n\n\"As LJI continues to expand its retail operations throughout China, a  location in the TFF Store adds both presence and prestige to the ENZO  name,\" said Yu Chuan Yih, chairman of the jeweler. \"ENZO\'s trademark  colored-stoned jewelry caters to the growing middle class looking for  affordable luxury. Being situated in one of the most well-known,  high-end malls enables ENZO to capitalize on customer traffic from their  target market. We are honored to be located within the TFF Store, as  obtaining space in the mall is valuable to both our brand name and our  business.\"\n\nThe TFF Store records annual sales of approximately $1.5 billion,  according to LJ International.  TFF Store drives customer traffic  throughout the year by featuring monthly marketing themes and sponsoring  holiday specific  activities.','ENZO Opens 110th Store','','inherit','open','open','','1263-revision','','','2010-08-08 17:13:02','2010-08-08 17:13:02','',1263,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1263-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1265,1,'2010-08-08 17:14:20','2010-08-08 17:14:20','LJ  International Inc. opened its 110th ENZO retail store today.  The new  jewelry boutique is located in the TFF Store, a high-end luxury shopping  mall in Tianjin, China. There are nine ENZO stores in in Tianjin, a  city with approximately 12.8 million residents. The TFF Store is ENZO\'s  largest location and will serve as a flagship space in Tianjin.\n\n\"As LJI continues to expand its retail operations throughout China, a  location in the TFF Store adds both presence and prestige to the ENZO  name,\" said Yu Chuan Yih, chairman of the jeweler. \"ENZO\'s trademark  colored-stoned jewelry caters to the growing middle class looking for  affordable luxury. Being situated in one of the most well-known,  high-end malls enables ENZO to capitalize on customer traffic from their  target market. We are honored to be located within the TFF Store, as  obtaining space in the mall is valuable to both our brand name and our  business.\"\n\nThe TFF Store records annual sales of approximately $1.5 billion,  according to LJ International.  TFF Store drives customer traffic  throughout the year by featuring monthly marketing themes and sponsoring  holiday specific  activities.','ENZO Opens 110th Store','','inherit','open','open','','1263-autosave','','','2010-08-08 17:14:20','2010-08-08 17:14:20','',1263,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1263-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1266,1,'2010-08-08 17:28:56','2010-08-08 17:28:56','Namdeb has  budgeted to invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to extend the life  of its marine diamond mining operations through 2050, <em>Reuters</em> reported.\r\n\r\nNamibia’s  existing deposits are due to deplete by 2014 but Namdeb, a joint  venture of De Beers and the government, believes it can find an  additional 68 million carats along the shoreline between the high-water  mark and 70 meters underwater, the report stated.\r\n\r\nMitford  Mundell, Namdeb’s general manager, said the company is confident about  at least 10 million carats and that a new sampling technique is being  implemented to give investors assurances about the deposit.\r\n\r\nManaging  Director Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi said Namdeb was looking at a consortium of  local banks to help finance the investment, some of which will be used  to develop shallow-water diamond mining techniques.\r\n\r\nNamdeb is expecting output from its marine mining to rise 52 percent to around 500,000 carats in 2010, the report stated.','Namdeb to Invest $1B to Extend Marine Mining','','publish','open','open','','namdeb-to-invest-1b-to-extend-marine-mining','','','2010-08-08 17:28:56','2010-08-08 17:28:56','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1266',0,'post','',0),(1267,1,'2010-08-08 17:28:49','2010-08-08 17:28:49','Namdeb has  budgeted to invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to extend the life  of its marine diamond mining operations through 2050, <em>Reuters</em> reported.\n\nNamibia’s  existing deposits are due to deplete by 2014 but Namdeb, a joint  venture of De Beers and the government, believes it can find an  additional 68 million carats along the shoreline between the high-water  mark and 70 meters underwater, the report stated.\n\nMitford  Mundell, Namdeb’s general manager, said the company is confident about  at least 10 million carats and that a new sampling technique is being  implemented to give investors assurances about the deposit.\n\nManaging  Director Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi said Namdeb was looking at a consortium of  local banks to help finance the investment, some of which will be used  to develop shallow-water diamond mining techniques.\n\nNamdeb is expecting output from its marine mining to rise 52 percent to around 500,000 carats in 2010, the report stated.','Namdeb to Invest $1B to Extend Marine Mining','','inherit','open','open','','1266-revision','','','2010-08-08 17:28:49','2010-08-08 17:28:49','',1266,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1266-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1268,1,'2010-08-08 17:30:00','2010-08-08 17:30:00','Namdeb has  budgeted to invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to extend the life  of its marine diamond mining operations through 2050, <em>Reuters</em> reported.\n\nNamibia’s  existing deposits are due to deplete by 2014 but Namdeb, a joint  venture of De Beers and the government, believes it can find an  additional 68 million carats along the shoreline between the high-water  mark and 70 meters underwater, the report stated.\n\nMitford  Mundell, Namdeb’s general manager, said the company is confident about  at least 10 million carats and that a new sampling technique is being  implemented to give investors assurances about the deposit.\n\nManaging  Director Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi said Namdeb was looking at a consortium of  local banks to help finance the investment, some of which will be used  to develop shallow-water diamond mining techniques.\n\nNamdeb is expecting output from its marine mining to rise 52 percent to around 500,000 carats in 2010, the report stated.','Namdeb to Invest $1B to Extend Marine Mining','','inherit','open','open','','1266-autosave','','','2010-08-08 17:30:00','2010-08-08 17:30:00','',1266,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1266-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1269,1,'2010-08-12 18:06:13','2010-08-12 18:06:13','House of Diamonds, Inc., one of New York\'s leading manufacturers and importers of loose diamonds, announced its purchase of office space at the International Gem Tower. House of Diamonds, Inc. is the New York office of Prem Chand Group of Companies, a multinational diamond manufacturing and exporting family of companies, with offices in Hong Kong, Thailand, Mumbai, Jaipur, China and New York.\r\n\r\n\"We see significant value in having an office in the International Gem Tower\", said Sanjeev Jain, director of the global firm. \"Every diamond center around the world already has at least one major hub where the industry comes together to conduct business. The International Gem Tower is filling that void in New York City and will create instant value for our business and the trade as a whole.\"\r\n\r\n\"House of Diamonds\' decision is a clear vote of confidence from the Indian diamond community\" said Raizy Haas, Senior Vice President of Extell Development Company, the company developing the new tower. \"The most modern, sophisticated and beautiful building in its league, the Gem Tower will allow businesses around the globe to operate with higher efficiency, increased productivity and state-of-the-art security.\"\r\n\r\nIn addition to House of Diamonds, many other global jewelry companies share the vision of finally having a 21st century industry facility in New York\'s Diamond District that will put the city at the forefront of the global diamond market once again. Ms. Haas added. \"This is a very exciting time for the project and the industry as a whole, as construction on the tower progresses and many of our exclusive office spaces continue to sell.\"\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7774\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','House Of Diamonds Inc. Secures Prime Location In The International Gem Tower','','publish','open','open','','house-of-diamonds-inc-secures-prime-location-in-the-international-gem-tower','','','2010-08-12 18:08:38','2010-08-12 18:08:38','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1269',0,'post','',0),(1270,1,'2010-08-12 18:03:51','2010-08-12 18:03:51','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','1269-revision','','','2010-08-12 18:03:51','2010-08-12 18:03:51','',1269,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1269-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1271,1,'2010-08-12 18:08:11','2010-08-12 18:08:11','House of Diamonds, Inc., one of New York\'s leading manufacturers and importers of loose diamonds, announced its purchase of office space at the International Gem Tower. House of Diamonds, Inc. is the New York office of Prem Chand Group of Companies, a multinational diamond manufacturing and exporting family of companies, with offices in Hong Kong, Thailand, Mumbai, Jaipur, China and New York.\n\n\"We see significant value in having an office in the International Gem Tower\", said Sanjeev Jain, director of the global firm. \"Every diamond center around the world already has at least one major hub where the industry comes together to conduct business. The International Gem Tower is filling that void in New York City and will create instant value for our business and the trade as a whole.\"\n\n\"House of Diamonds\' decision is a clear vote of confidence from the Indian diamond community\" said Raizy Haas, Senior Vice President of Extell Development Company, the company developing the new tower. \"The most modern, sophisticated and beautiful building in its league, the Gem Tower will allow businesses around the globe to operate with higher efficiency, increased productivity and state-of-the-art security.\"\n\nIn addition to House of Diamonds, many other global jewelry companies share the vision of finally having a 21st century industry facility in New York\'s Diamond District that will put the city at the forefront of the global diamond market once again. Ms. Haas added. \"This is a very exciting time for the project and the industry as a whole, as construction on the tower progresses and many of our exclusive office spaces continue to sell.\"\n\nRef: GJEPC','House Of Diamonds Inc. Secures Prime Location In The International Gem Tower','','inherit','open','open','','1269-autosave','','','2010-08-12 18:08:11','2010-08-12 18:08:11','',1269,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1269-autosave',0,'revision','',0),(1272,1,'2010-08-12 18:06:13','2010-08-12 18:06:13','House of Diamonds, Inc., one of New York\'s leading manufacturers and importers of loose diamonds, announced its purchase of office space at the International Gem Tower. House of Diamonds, Inc. is the New York office of Prem Chand Group of Companies, a multinational diamond manufacturing and exporting family of companies, with offices in Hong Kong, Thailand, Mumbai, Jaipur, China and New York. \r\n \r\n\"We see significant value in having an office in the International Gem Tower\", said Sanjeev Jain, director of the global firm. \"Every diamond center around the world already has at least one major hub where the industry comes together to conduct business. The International Gem Tower is filling that void in New York City and will create instant value for our business and the trade as a whole.\" \r\n \r\n\"House of Diamonds\' decision is a clear vote of confidence from the Indian diamond community\" said Raizy Haas, Senior Vice President of Extell Development Company, the company developing the new tower. \"The most modern, sophisticated and beautiful building in its league, the Gem Tower will allow businesses around the globe to operate with higher efficiency, increased productivity and state-of-the-art security.\"\r\n \r\nIn addition to House of Diamonds, many other global jewelry companies share the vision of finally having a 21st century industry facility in New York\'s Diamond District that will put the city at the forefront of the global diamond market once again. Ms. Haas added. \"This is a very exciting time for the project and the industry as a whole, as construction on the tower progresses and many of our exclusive office spaces continue to sell.\"','House Of Diamonds Inc. Secures Prime Location In The International Gem Tower','','inherit','open','open','','1269-revision-2','','','2010-08-12 18:06:13','2010-08-12 18:06:13','',1269,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1269-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1273,1,'2010-08-12 18:13:12','2010-08-12 18:13:12','The first batch of diamonds from Zimbabwe’s controversial Marange fields was sold this week with Kimberley Process (KP) certificates after the government held its first official auction of the stock.\r\n\r\nMines Ministry officials said that about 900,000 carats of diamonds valued at $72 million were placed on auction on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. Buyers from Israel, Lebanon and Russia were said to have participated in the sale, which took place at Harare airport.\r\n\r\nThe KP agreed in July to certify a portion of goods mined at Marange between May 28 and August 1 during KP monitor Abbey Chikane’s pending visit to the country. Chikane certified the stones this week as a KP review mission was in the country to inspect the various operations there.\r\n\r\nAn earlier report by Chikane indicated a stockpile of approximately 4.7 million carats that remain unsold that were mined at Marange prior to May 28. It is unclear how these goods will be approached by the KP. South Africa-based Chikane is due to visit Zimbabwe again during the week of September 6 to certify a second batch of Marange diamonds.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=32095\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','KP Certified Marange Diamonds Auctioned in Harare','','publish','open','open','','kp-certified-marange-diamonds-auctioned-in-harare','','','2010-08-12 18:13:12','2010-08-12 18:13:12','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1273',0,'post','',0),(1274,1,'2010-08-12 18:10:24','2010-08-12 18:10:24','The first batch of diamonds from Zimbabwe’s controversial Marange fields was sold this week with Kimberley Process (KP) certificates after the government held its first official auction of the stock.\n\nMines Ministry officials said that about 900,000 carats of diamonds valued at $72 million were placed on auction on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. Buyers from Israel, Lebanon and Russia were said to have participated in the sale, which took place at Harare airport.\n\nThe KP agreed in July to certify a portion of goods mined at Marange between May 28 and August 1 during KP monitor Abbey Chikane’s pending visit to the country. Chikane certified the stones this week as a KP review mission was in the country to inspect the various operations there.\n\nAn earlier report by Chikane indicated a stockpile of approximately 4.7 million carats that remain unsold that were mined at Marange prior to May 28. It is unclear how these goods will be approached by the KP. South Africa-based Chikane is due to visit Zimbabwe again during the week of September 6 to certify a second batch of Marange diamonds.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=32095\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','KP Certified Marange Diamonds Auctioned in Harare','','inherit','open','open','','1273-revision','','','2010-08-12 18:10:24','2010-08-12 18:10:24','',1273,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1273-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1275,1,'2010-08-12 18:12:30','2010-08-12 18:12:30','The first batch of diamonds from Zimbabwe’s controversial Marange fields was sold this week with Kimberley Process (KP) certificates after the government held its first official auction of the stock.\r\n\r\nMines Ministry officials said that about 900,000 carats of diamonds valued at $72 million were placed on auction on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. Buyers from Israel, Lebanon and Russia were said to have participated in the sale, which took place at Harare airport.\r\n\r\nThe KP agreed in July to certify a portion of goods mined at Marange between May 28 and August 1 during KP monitor Abbey Chikane’s pending visit to the country. Chikane certified the stones this week as a KP review mission was in the country to inspect the various operations there.\r\n\r\nAn earlier report by Chikane indicated a stockpile of approximately 4.7 million carats that remain unsold that were mined at Marange prior to May 28. It is unclear how these goods will be approached by the KP. South Africa-based Chikane is due to visit Zimbabwe again during the week of September 6 to certify a second batch of Marange diamonds.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=32095\" target=\"_blank\">Diamonds.net</a>','KP Certified Marange Diamonds Auctioned in Harare','','inherit','open','open','','1273-revision-2','','','2010-08-12 18:12:30','2010-08-12 18:12:30','',1273,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1273-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1277,1,'2010-08-12 18:17:22','2010-08-12 18:17:22','[caption id=\"attachment_1278\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"95\" caption=\"Mr. Martin Rapaport\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1278\" title=\"Martin Rapaport\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg\" alt=\"Martin Rapaport\" width=\"95\" height=\"117\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Rapaport International Diamond Conference (IDC) will take place on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at The Times Center in New York. The one-day conference, held annually in New York City, is renowned for identifying important trends in the diamond industry. The topics of this year\'s conference will be \"Diamond Demand\" and \"Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward\".\r\n\r\n<strong>\"Diamond Demand\"</strong>\r\n\r\nThe future of the diamond industry is about demand. Who will our customers be? What will they buy? And most importantly, why will they buy? While globalization will continue to impact our markets, the greatest challenge will be to understand the demographics of the next generation of diamond consumers. Whether it is in the U.S., China or India, opportunities await those that take the time and make the effort to truly understand what motivates their customers.\r\n\r\n<strong>\"Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward\"</strong>\r\n\r\nThe afternoon session will be devoted to finding reasonable and pragmatic solutions to the ethical problems confronting the diamond industry. The challenge facing the trade is not just recognizing the problems, but solving them. Experts in the field of business and human rights, law and ethics will participate in open discussions.\r\n\r\n\"Over the next few years, diamond demand will be more important than diamond supply,\" said Martin Rapaport, Chairman of the Rapaport Group. \"Those that anticipate and meet the needs of their customers will prosper, while those that don\'t won\'t. Understanding diamond demand is the key to your success.\r\n\r\n\"The diamond trade needs to confront the problem of human rights head on. Instead of complaining about the problem, it\'s time for us to focus on solutions and identify the way forward for ourselves and our industry\", Rapaport added.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7776\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','Rapaport International Diamond Conference 2010','','publish','open','open','','rapaport-international-diamond-conference-2010','','','2010-08-12 18:19:35','2010-08-12 18:19:35','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1277',0,'post','',0),(1278,1,'2010-08-12 18:16:38','2010-08-12 18:16:38','Mr. Martin Rapaport','Martin Rapaport','Mr. Martin Rapaport','inherit','open','open','','martin-rapaport','','','2010-08-12 18:16:38','2010-08-12 18:16:38','',1277,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1279,1,'2010-08-12 18:17:12','2010-08-12 18:17:12','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1278\" title=\"Martin Rapaport\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"95\" height=\"117\" /></a>The Rapaport International Diamond Conference (IDC) will take place on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at The Times Center in New York. The one-day conference, held annually in New York City, is renowned for identifying important trends in the diamond industry. The topics of this year\'s conference will be \"Diamond Demand\" and \"Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward\".\n\n\"Diamond Demand\"\n\nThe future of the diamond industry is about demand. Who will our customers be? What will they buy? And most importantly, why will they buy? While globalization will continue to impact our markets, the greatest challenge will be to understand the demographics of the next generation of diamond consumers. Whether it is in the U.S., China or India, opportunities await those that take the time and make the effort to truly understand what motivates their customers.\n\n\"Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward\"\n\nThe afternoon session will be devoted to finding reasonable and pragmatic solutions to the ethical problems confronting the diamond industry. The challenge facing the trade is not just recognizing the problems, but solving them. Experts in the field of business and human rights, law and ethics will participate in open discussions.\n\n\"Over the next few years, diamond demand will be more important than diamond supply,\" said Martin Rapaport, Chairman of the Rapaport Group. \"Those that anticipate and meet the needs of their customers will prosper, while those that don\'t won\'t. Understanding diamond demand is the key to your success.\n\n\"The diamond trade needs to confront the problem of human rights head on. Instead of complaining about the problem, it\'s time for us to focus on solutions and identify the way forward for ourselves and our industry\", Rapaport added.\n\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7776\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','Rapaport International Diamond Conference 2010','','inherit','open','open','','1277-revision','','','2010-08-12 18:17:12','2010-08-12 18:17:12','',1277,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1277-revision',0,'revision','',0),(1280,1,'2010-08-12 18:17:22','2010-08-12 18:17:22','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1278\" title=\"Martin Rapaport\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"95\" height=\"117\" /></a>The Rapaport International Diamond Conference (IDC) will take place on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at The Times Center in New York. The one-day conference, held annually in New York City, is renowned for identifying important trends in the diamond industry. The topics of this year\'s conference will be \"Diamond Demand\" and \"Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward\".\r\n\r\n\"Diamond Demand\"\r\n\r\nThe future of the diamond industry is about demand. Who will our customers be? What will they buy? And most importantly, why will they buy? While globalization will continue to impact our markets, the greatest challenge will be to understand the demographics of the next generation of diamond consumers. Whether it is in the U.S., China or India, opportunities await those that take the time and make the effort to truly understand what motivates their customers.\r\n\r\n\"Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward\"\r\n\r\nThe afternoon session will be devoted to finding reasonable and pragmatic solutions to the ethical problems confronting the diamond industry. The challenge facing the trade is not just recognizing the problems, but solving them. Experts in the field of business and human rights, law and ethics will participate in open discussions.\r\n\r\n\"Over the next few years, diamond demand will be more important than diamond supply,\" said Martin Rapaport, Chairman of the Rapaport Group. \"Those that anticipate and meet the needs of their customers will prosper, while those that don\'t won\'t. Understanding diamond demand is the key to your success.\r\n\r\n\"The diamond trade needs to confront the problem of human rights head on. Instead of complaining about the problem, it\'s time for us to focus on solutions and identify the way forward for ourselves and our industry\", Rapaport added.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7776\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','Rapaport International Diamond Conference 2010','','inherit','open','open','','1277-revision-2','','','2010-08-12 18:17:22','2010-08-12 18:17:22','',1277,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1277-revision-2',0,'revision','',0),(1281,1,'2010-08-12 18:18:48','2010-08-12 18:18:48','<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1278\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"95\" caption=\"Mr. Martin Rapaport\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1278\" title=\"Martin Rapaport\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg\" alt=\"Martin Rapaport\" width=\"95\" height=\"117\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</a>The Rapaport International Diamond Conference (IDC) will take place on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at The Times Center in New York. The one-day conference, held annually in New York City, is renowned for identifying important trends in the diamond industry. The topics of this year\'s conference will be \"Diamond Demand\" and \"Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward\".\r\n\r\n\"Diamond Demand\"\r\n\r\nThe future of the diamond industry is about demand. Who will our customers be? What will they buy? And most importantly, why will they buy? While globalization will continue to impact our markets, the greatest challenge will be to understand the demographics of the next generation of diamond consumers. Whether it is in the U.S., China or India, opportunities await those that take the time and make the effort to truly understand what motivates their customers.\r\n\r\n\"Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward\"\r\n\r\nThe afternoon session will be devoted to finding reasonable and pragmatic solutions to the ethical problems confronting the diamond industry. The challenge facing the trade is not just recognizing the problems, but solving them. Experts in the field of business and human rights, law and ethics will participate in open discussions.\r\n\r\n\"Over the next few years, diamond demand will be more important than diamond supply,\" said Martin Rapaport, Chairman of the Rapaport Group. \"Those that anticipate and meet the needs of their customers will prosper, while those that don\'t won\'t. Understanding diamond demand is the key to your success.\r\n\r\n\"The diamond trade needs to confront the problem of human rights head on. Instead of complaining about the problem, it\'s time for us to focus on solutions and identify the way forward for ourselves and our industry\", Rapaport added.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7776\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','Rapaport International Diamond Conference 2010','','inherit','open','open','','1277-revision-3','','','2010-08-12 18:18:48','2010-08-12 18:18:48','',1277,'http://blog.biggstock.com/uncategorized/1277-revision-3',0,'revision','',0),(1283,1,'2010-08-12 18:22:56','2010-08-12 18:22:56','[caption id=\"attachment_1284\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"203\" caption=\"IIJW 2010\"]<a href=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IIJW_Logo_Cream_Index.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1284\" title=\"IIJW_Logo_Cream_Index\" src=\"http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IIJW_Logo_Cream_Index.jpg\" alt=\"IIJW+\" width=\"203\" height=\"150\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>500 Page 3 celebrities and 15,000 high networking individuals</strong>\r\n\r\nCreating history in the world of jewellery in India will be the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW), the first-of-its-kind in Asia which will be held at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, from 15th to 19th August, 2010. Organized by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC), the apex body of the gem and jewellery trade in the country and supported by the ministry of commerce and industry government of India, the IIJW will present the incredible talents of leading jewellery designers and design houses.\r\n\r\nThis five-day extravaganza will have dazzling shows featuring the collections of 30 jewellery designers, design houses and budding talent. The event will be inaugurated with a stunning show at 2pm by Gitanjali Lifestyle followed by shows at every hour ending with the Grand Finale Show featuring the Best of Best at 9pm on 19th August, 2010.\r\n\r\n\"The IIJW is a platform to showcase India\'s prowess in jewellery, be it design, innovation, craftsmanship or quality. Having attained our leadership in diamond manufacturing and being the fastest growing jewellery manufacturing destination globally, its time to showcase India\'s expertise in design and make India the most sought after destination for designer jewellery\", says Mr. Vasant Mehta, chairman, GJEPC.\r\n\r\nFrom across the length and breadth of India, the top talents in the jewellery business who hail from the centers of Delhi, Jaipur, Junagadh, Kolkata, Bangalore and Mumbai will be presented. From top designer names like Farah Khan Ali, Varuna D. Jani, Bina Goenka, Rhea Nasta, to famed design houses like Mirari, Gitanjali, Amrapali, Tanishq, Ganjam, CKC, will showcase exquisite jewellery collections.\r\n\r\nThe IIJW will also showcase the talents of up and coming designers from NID, NIFT and new talents from the industry. Mr. Mehta says, \"It is a good platform for our designers to showcase their art and design and each designer will get 20 minutes to showcase their designs. Some of the budding designers with their innovative designs will get a scholarship from GIA\". At the grand finale on day 5, the best of best show will feature choice pieces of jewellery from each participating designer and design house which will be displayed on the ramp.\r\n\r\nAlong with the jewellery collections, top fashion designers of India like Wendell Rodricks, Nandita Mahtani, Anna Singh, Raghavendra Rathore, Archana Kochhar, etc will present their collections. IIJW covers all consuming countries and 500 Page 3 celebrities and 15,000 high networking individuals have been invited for this show. Mr. Mehta adds, \"IIJW will go global in the second year which will help in raising the export figures and benefit Indian economy. We hope to double our export figures in the next five years. This Show will be the yardstick for any jewellery week in the world and we hope it will be a trendsetter where other jewellery associations across the world will create their own jewellery weeks\".\r\n\r\n<strong>Highlights of IIJW</strong>\r\n\r\n24 top models will glide down the ramp in stunning jewellery and designer creations in shows which will be brilliantly orchestrated by India\'s top choreographers Lubna Adams, Achla Sachdev and Elric D\'souza.\r\n\r\nIIJW will be witnessed by high-end retailers from India and abroad and celebrities from fashion, TV, film and corporate world. Adding to the dazzle of IIJW will be the presence of over 15 leading Bollywood stars who will be walking the ramp along with celebrities from all walks of life.\r\n\r\n50 international jewellery trade and lifestyle press would witness the week. IIJW will witness buyers from Japan, Russia, UK, China, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, Libya, Morocco, Iran, Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan across five days.\r\n\r\nIIJW will be promoted on three television shows across three leading television networks. PC Jewellers will be presenting three episodes titled \"Jewels of Bollywood\" on Zoom Television, three episodes of \"Indian Divas\" on NDTV Good Times after IIJW and also present two episodes of one hour each titled \"Making of IIJW\" on Imagine Television. For the first time in the history of any fashion week in India the IIJW will be live online, live on television, live on mobile and live on radio.\r\n\r\nThe IIJW promises to be one of the most spectacular events ever seen in India as jewellery designers will mesmerize the audiences and buyers from India and abroad with their exceptional creativity.\r\n\r\nRef: <a href=\"http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7775\" target=\"_blank\">GJEPC</a>','IIJW: \"Time To Showcase India\'s Expertise In Design\"	','','publish','open','open','','iijw-time-to-showcase-indias-expertise-in-design','','','2010-08-12 18:22:56','2010-08-12 18:22:56','',0,'http://blog.biggstock.com/?p=1283',0,'post','',0),(1284,1,'2010-08-12 18:21:39','2010-08-12 18:21:39','IIJW 2010','IIJW_Logo_Cream_Index','IIJW 2010','inherit','open','open','','iijw_logo_cream_index','','','2010-08-12 18:21:39','2010-08-12 18:21:39','',1283,'http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IIJW_Logo_Cream_Index.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),