Tiffany inks new agreement with Elsa Peretti

New York--Tiffany & Co. has extended the life of its sales and marketing partnership with Elsa Peretti for 20 years, Securities and Exchange Commission filings show.

The deal pays the 72-year-old Italian jewelry designer $47.3 million plus annual royalties for continuing use of her trademarked jewelry and other products, and requires that Tiffany reduce prices on Peretti products by 20 percent so as to achieve overall average gross margins of no more than 50 percent, with Peretti’s personal opinion on pricing to be given “due consideration,” the SEC filing states.

Tiffany must display the licensed Peretti products in its stores and devote a portion of its advertising budget to the line. The new agreement also prods Tiffany to stock more of Peretti’s non-jewelry licensed products, such as tableware. The inventory value of non-jewelry licensed products averaged about $4 million over the previous five years, according to the filing.

In addition, Peretti has the right to terminate the new agreement should any “change of control” occur at Tiffany & Co., which includes a sale, transfer or other disposition of the company’s assets.

The new agreement was finalized on Dec. 27 and extends a partnership that has been in place since 1974. Tiffany remains the sole licensee for the intellectual property rights necessary to sell Peretti’s trademarked jewelry and other products. 

Back in May, it appeared the long-standing relationship might come to an end, however, as SEC filings showed that the two parties were unable to agree on a price for Tiffany to buy Peretti’s intellectual property rights.

http://www.nationaljeweler.com/

Color of the Year for 2013

It’s been a jewel-tone hit on the red carpet for some time, and now emerald green has officially taken hold of the fashion world given thatPANTONE has dubbed it the Color of the Year for 2013.

Emerald green, or PANTONE 17-5641, is the PANTONE Color Institute’s Color of the New Year for 2013.

The color authority, which surveys couture designers regarding their fave collection hues each season, revealed its annual choice this week, calling it “a lively, radiant, lush green.” Fashion designers Tracy Reese and Nanette Lepore are just two designers noted in thePANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2013 who are incorporating emerald into their spring collections.

PANTONE 17-5641 officially replaces Tangerine Tango, the Color of the Year for 2012, described as a “spirited, reddish orange” that “provided the energy boost we needed to recharge and move forward,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Most often associated with precious gemstones, the perception of the color emerald is sophisticated and luxurious, and represents growth, healing, and new life in cultures worldwide. It’s also the color of renewal and prosperity, and enhances a sense of well-being and promotes balance and harmony.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature—the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” Eiseman told the press. “Symbolically, emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal, and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world.”

Even cosmetics brand Sephora and department store chain J.C. Penney are capitalizing on the Color of the Year by launching unique emerald-green collections. Jewelry store owners can do the same by showcasing cases of emerald jewels large and small, available across a wide range of prices, as well as offering complementary jewel tones for the influx of emerald green clothing that will be in stores by spring.

www.jckonline.com

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book Fantasy Gift Comes With a Tour of Van Cleef & Arpels

Neiman Marcus unveiled its 86th annual Christmas Book today, which included plenty of jewelry as well as one ''fantasy gift'' of his and hers watches.  Designer Ippolita features jewelry of clear quartz, mother-of-pearl, shell, gemstone and 18-karat gold with price points from just under $4,000 all the way up to $10,000 in the Christmas Book. Roberto Coin  created ''decadence to an extreme'' with a suite of precious stones linked together in an intricate mosaic to highlight shades of smoky quartz in and amongst white diamonds, cognac diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold jewelry with a price range of $6,300 to $25,000. The Neiman Marcus Christmas  catalog also featured a collection of mosaic pavé pinky rings from David Yurman with price points between $5,400 to $11,500. 

Throughout Christmas Book, numerous fashion jewelry collections by  Jose & Maria Barrera for Neiman Marcus adorn the models, such as a classic chandelier earrings  in topaz, glass, crystal and colored cubic zirconia; jet black Austrian crystal and a gunmetal-plated necklace and bangles that are generally offered in price points below $1,000.

John Hardy created a Neiman Marcus exclusive this year to commemorate the Year of the Dragon with jewelry of ruby, sterling silver, and 18-karat gold, from the Naga Collection. Pieces include a kick cuff, ring, earrings and necklace in a price range of $895 to almost $6,000.

The top jewelry gift in this year's Christmas Book begins with a classic story: Boy meets girl. As the fantasy goes, ''A romance is sparked. They share a kiss at midnight on Paris’s Pont des Arts. But fate intervenes, and they are separated. Each night, they send wishes — he upon a star, she upon a kite— that, one day, they will reunite.''

To capture that tale, Neiman Marcus offers one set of his and hers ''Poetic Wish'' watches from  Van Cleef & Arpels for $1,090,000. But the lucky buyer will also receive two business-class tickets to Paris and Geneva to tour the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique, atelier, and watchmaking workshops.  Neiman Marcus will be donating  $10,000 for each ''His & Hers 2012'' gift sold to The Norman Mailer Center, which supports writers who challenge readers’ perspectives on the world around them.

Other fantasy gifts this year include ''Beau Coop,'' a bespoke Versailles-inspired, custom-made, multi-level le petit trianon  for hens with a living room,  a broody room and a library filled with chicken and gardening books for visitors of the human kind. Challenge the gamer inside with a custom-made Pinel & Pinel Arcade PS Trunk gaming toy or if Broadway is more your style, one fantasy gift is a walk-on performer for the musical ''Annie.'' Tailgate in style with the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Woody-Tailgate Trailer (and a one-year supply of Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye) or simply hop into a 2013 McLaren 12C Spider, in Volcano Red, which will be sold with McLaren luggage and a business-class trip to England for a VIP dinner hosted by McLaren's chairman Ron Dennis and a tour of the McLaren Technology Center in February 2013.

Neiman Marcus is also offering a Jetlev R200 and the video portrait ''Snowy Owl'' by artist Robert Wilson who creates animals and people who appear static, as if portrayed within a painting, but the viewer is caught off guard when the subject unexpectedly breathes, blinks, or shifts.

For a culinary delight this Christmas, Neiman Marcus put together an  epic event where four  chefs -—Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Jerome Bocuse and Richard Rosendale—- will arrive at your home to prepare a feast for 10 guest and  Bertha Gonzalez, the world’s first female Maestra Tequilera, will kick off the evening with a Casa Dragones tequila tasting. 

www.diamonds.net

50-Carat Diamond Jewels Main Attraction Of Christie's Estimated $35 Million Auction

We are under a month away from the new James Bond movie, Skyfall.  Adele has done the title song which People Magazine has likened in style to the iconic “Diamonds are Forever” title song belted by Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey back in 1971.

After almost 40 years, the Bond “diamond” song has a melody and lyrics with luster so brilliant, it lingers in our collective “007” movie memories.  Such is the power of diamonds…

On October 16, Christie’s New York will hold its fall jewelry auction, called “New York Magnificent Jewelry”, with some very big diamonds, rare natural pearls and signed jewels. The 372 lots will be sold in two sessions with a pre-sale estimate of $35 million.

A trio of diamond jewels–earrings, a pendant and an “intense” yellow stone–are the sale headliners. The clear and yellow-stoned earrings weigh over 117 carats (est. $4,500,000 to $6,500,000).  I was a little concerned that the gems might be too hefty for the average earlobe, but was assured they were “very wearable”.

What does 50 carats feel like in the palm of your hand?

“Like a quail egg,” said Rahul Kadakia, head of jewelry for Christie’s Americas and Switzerland, in a clipped British accent.

Kadakia, who says he sleeps and breathes diamonds, covets the 50 carat pear-shaped diamond, which is so pricey its estimate is available upon request. “It’s superb in the way it’s cut.  Textbook—a really special stone.”

And for those into yellow, there’s a 68 carat diamond estimated to sell between  $2,200,000 and $3,200,000.

Christie’s hopes to attract important private collectors from the Middle East, Russia and China as well as more experienced American and European buyers “who have been buying for hundreds of years,” said Kadakia.  “Those seasoned buyers who hope to add something new to their collection—maybe a stone with a new shape or size.”

But for those considering investing in diamonds, is it the right time to buy?

“In the last 16 years, the market has gone up 200%,” said Kadakia.

If true, those in 1% will like the 200% rise.

www.forbes.com

Global branding consulting firm Interbrand released its “Best Global Brands 2012” list with Coca-Cola coming in at the top followed by Apple and IBM.  Rounding out fourth spot was Google, which for the first time exceeded Microsoft’s brand value, which came in at fifth place.  

Apple had the biggest brand value increase in 2012, at 129 percent year on year, followed by Amazon at 46 percent and Samsung at 40 percent.  New entrants to the list included Facebook, which just became a publicly traded company this year, at number 69, as well as Prada, Kia, Ralph Lauren, MasterCard and Pampers. 

While technology brands dominated the list, many “fast-moving consumer goods” brands have grown their value consistently by expanding into emerging markets.  Automotive and financial service brands are still feeling the effects of the weak economy. 

Many jewelry and jewelry-related brands made the list as well.  Louis Vuitton, for example was eighteenth overall, while eBay was 36, Gucci at 38, Cartier at 68, Tiffany & Co. at 70, and Avon at 71.  

Interbrand noted that despite the slow global economic recovery, luxury brands increased their brand value from 2011, and have proved resistant to slowdowns in the market.  Success in luxury, it added, is dependent “not only upon a portfolio of superior products and superb quality of service, but also a strong cohesive brand, a formidable digital presence, and reputation that is timeless, elevated, and refined.”

www.diamonds.net

Christie's Auctioning Legendary 76 Carat D-Flawless Diamond

Christie’s expects the world-famous 76.02 ct. D-IF Archduke Joseph Diamond to fetch $15 million at its Nov. 13 auction in Geneva.

While the auction house provided the $15 million figure, an official estimate will only be provided upon request.

While Christie's did not reveal the stone's current owner, it was once offered for sale by Pheonix jeweler Al Molina.

A Christie’s release calls the gem “one of rarest and most famous diamonds in the world.” The stone was discovered in the Golconda mine in India, the source of such legendary gems as the Koh-i-noor, the Hope, and the Regent. According to the auction house, “Golconda diamonds have a special whiteness often described as soft, watery, and pure, so that light appears to pass through the stone completely unimpeded.” The Archduke Joseph is the largest and most perfect Golconda stone to ever appear at auction.

The stone received its name from one of its owners, Archduke Joseph August of Austria, who passed it on to his son, Archduke Joseph Francis. The son is believed to have deposited the stone in a bank where it remained through World War II, escaping the attention of the Nazis. After decades of mystery, the diamond reappeared in 1962, and was then sold again at Christie’s in 1993, where it realized $6.5 million (the company says that figure is equivalent to $10.5 million today). 

“The magic of auction sometimes brings back great gems to our salerooms more than once,” François Curiel, international head of Christie's jewelry department, said in a statement said. “In November, we have the privilege to give both new and established collectors the opportunity to own a piece of history once again.”

www.jckonline.com

De Beers Diamond Jewellers Unveils 'Imaginary Nature' in Asia

De Beers Diamond Jewellers unveiled its jewelry collection, Imaginary Nature, for the first time in Asia today. The event was attended by award-winning actress, Gigi Leung and Taiwanese actress and model Bianca Bai. De Beers stated that the Imaginary Nature collection exhibits a journey of light, where heightened imagination meets natural beauty with diamonds.

Francois Delage, the chief executive of De Beers Diamonds Jewellers, said, “We wanted, through Imaginary Nature, to truly establish our legitimacy as a jeweler and to express our vision through a strong creative and contemporary gesture. Our unique designs inspired by our DNA bring to life our brand essence – The Jeweller of Light – by creating exquisite pieces, moments and movements from a journey from earth to light. The eight one-of-a-kind creations sublime our diamond mastery and jewelry know-how, and we are delighted to now unveil them in Asia.”

Each Imaginary Nature piece balances the contrasts of the natural world with the drama of an ascent and the grace of gliding, according to De Beers. These rich contradictions are conveyed through an array of diamond cuts and settings. Radiant pear-cut diamonds were set on a tilt in a way to engage light and trace movement. By contrast, the definite angles of the baguettes against round brilliant diamonds punctuate each piece with tradition and brilliance.

Leung (pictured) said, “It is so refreshing to see a contemporary take on high jewelry, the three-dimensional aspect and the interplay of light between different diamond cuts is truly unique.”

Hollie Bonneville-Barden, the jewelry designer, added, “Imaginary Nature represents an exhilarating yet elegant display of evolution, inspired by the beauty of transformations within nature, which are realized in a story of metamorphosis. Each piece reveals a unique gesture inspired by the essence of nature. With the diamond as our muse, the collection is centered on diamonds of character, focused on pears and baguettes to create a language of movement and fluidity.”

http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=41084

Best Brands in Luxury Jewelry; Graff, Asprey and Mikimoto Take Top Honors in Luxury Institute Survey, but Tiffany Proves Most Popular

Ultra-wealthy U.S. shoppers with at least $200,000 per year in household income and minimum net worth of $5 million rank U.K.-based Graff Diamonds highest among 22 luxury jewelers in the 2012 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey by the independent and objective New York-based Luxury Institute. LBSI scores comprise respondents’ evaluations of each brand’s products, customer service experience and reputation.

With the top overall LBSI score of 7.98 out of 10, Graff ranks first on brand reputation and product quality considerations, scoring highest in evaluations of materials and craftsmanship.

Graff is also the brand that pentamillionaires are most likely to deem worthy of charging premium prices, followed by fellow U.K. jeweler, Asprey, and Japanese pearl specialist, Mikimoto. Asprey (7.82) and Mikimoto (7.77) also rank second and third, respectively, in overall LBSI scores.

Top luxury jewelers serve an exclusive clientele. Just 1% of pentamillionaires have purchased one of Graff’s diamonds in the past 12 months, 3% have shopped Asprey and 4% have purchased from Mikimoto. Tiffany & Co. is the most popular luxury jeweler: 13% of ultra-wealthy shoppers made a blue box purchase in the past year; 75% plan to buy Tiffany goods in the coming year.

“Quality in craftsmanship and materials are primary considerations for any luxury goods brand, but especially so in jewelry,” says Luxury Institute CEO Milton Pedraza. “The top-ranked jewelers also pay attention to delivering an outstanding customer experience to create true brand value and a competitive advantage.”

Survey participants reported average income of $682,000 and average net worth of $14.6 million.

http://luxuryinstitute.com/blog/?p=1991

DIAMOND AND JEWELRY BUYING GUIDE

People have been wearing jewelry for over 100,000 years, and even back then, chances are it wasn’t the easiest thing to shop for. There are just so many options when buying jewelry – so many materials, metals, styles and gems to choose from. You can shop better by taking the time to learn how to buy jewelry. It can seem like a lot, but with a little help from this jewelry buying guide, you’ll be shopping like a professional in no time. And if you are still stumped buying jewelry, feel free to ask an AGS-certified gemologist for help. They may know a lot about metals and gems, but they also know tons about styles and trends.

Here are a few basics to get your shopping jump-started, and be sure to click to the left to continue the guide:

WHAT ARE NATURAL GEMSTONES?

Natural gemstones come from the earth and are mined worldwide. Some natural gemstones can be enhanced, which means sometimes they are treated in some way (such as heat) to improve their color.

WHAT ARE LABORATORY-CREATED GEMSTONES?

These stones, which can also be referred to as laboratory-grown, manufacturer-created, or synthetic, have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural gemstones. Laboratory-created gemstones do not have the rarity or value of natural colored gemstones. Although they are similar in many ways to natural gemstones, a professional gemologist will be able to recognize their difference with proper testing.

WHAT ARE IMITATION GEMSTONES?

Imitation stones look like natural gemstones in appearance only. This includes tinted glass, cubic zirconia or other material that resembles natural stones when treated. Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GEMSTONE?

Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat, which is equal to one-fifth (1/5th) of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 units, called points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .050 ct. or 50 points.

WHAT IS AN ENHANCED OR TREATED GEMSTONE?

Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gemstones are treated to improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color. Many gemstones are treated in some way. The effects of some treatments may lessen or change over time and some treated gemstones may require special care. Some enhancements also affect the value of a gemstone, when measured against a comparable untreated gemstone. Treatments and/or enhancements should always be disclosed by the seller, along with any special care that might be required.

http://www.americangemsociety.org/jewelry-buying-101

Find The Best Earrings For Your Face Shape

Getting dressed up for a night on the town? Getting ready to walk down the aisle? Jewelry can make ALL the difference, but we don’t always give it the time of day, especially when it comes to earrings.

Urvi Tejani, Creative Director and Founder of Tejani Jewelry, gives GalTime the lowdown on finding earrings that flatter your face shape.

Round: If you have a rounder face, look for length in skinny dangles that elongate your appearance. Pick a pair of earrings that are a slightly longer than your chin.



Square: Balance out an angular face with round earrings. Think oversized teardrops or circular multi-tiers. Circles and curves will smooth out your look. Try to avoid sharp edges or diamond shapes because these styles emphasize square features.




Heart: To complement a heart-shaped face, look for drop earrings that are wider than they are long. Drops with circular details, like teardrop stones or dangling pearls, will help round out a narrow chin.



Oval: Wide earrings will flatter any oval-shaped face. Whether you prefer simple studs or statement chandeliers, make sure their width is substantial. These styles will balance narrowness and produce a sleek look.


Never let your accessories wear you: To flatter your face shape and height, make sure to wear earrings that are appropriately sized. Amp up your look, but don’t overdo it. You never want to drown in a pair of dangles , or lose the flash with too-simple studs.

Take your time: Selecting the right earrings – or any jewelry for that matter – is usually a last-minute decision. Instead of choosing the first pieces that catch your eye, select what looks best. Jewelry is an integral part of any outfit, so treat it as such! Mix personal style with flattering silhouettes, and you’ll truly shine!

Costume jewelry versus the “real” thing: According to Tejani, jewelry is all about achieving a “look,” so consider spending a bit more on well-made costume pieces. They’re the perfect middle ground between cheaper baubles that tend to fall apart and diamonds that cost a pretty penny. They’ll help you capture the trend du jour on a budget, and can still be worn time and time again.

Make a Statement with Cuffs and Bangles to Wear Now and Later

Despite the hot temperatures outside, let’s talk fall fashion. I realize it is hard to think about chunky knit sweaters and leather leggings now, so we won’t. We will focus on jewelry, pieces that you can buy now, wear now and through the fall.

I am loving statement bangles and cuff bracelets. For summer, I like to wear my oversize brass cuff by Made, with my most feminine summer frocks. In the fall, I pair it with super shiny legging, a soft tie-neck blouse and motorcycle boots.

Look for bangles and cuffs with detail. Pieces with cut-outs, laser cut patterns, stones, or embellishment. Statement jewelry is just that, so don’t over do it. Two oversized cuffs, one on each wrist, may have been a lifesaver for Wonder Woman, it is off-limits to the rest of us.

Try mixing your statement piece with unexpected looks. A simple tee-shirt with a pencil skirt keeps your silhouette streamline and allows your jewelry the attention it deserves. Play with different textures. If your jewelry is shiny and sparkly pair it with a casual look. You can wear your softest, prettiest, dress and put on your giant cuff bracelet. Instantly super girly becomes super modern. For me, it is all about classic with a modern twist.

-http://303magazine.com/