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| Greetings! |
 As we approach your busiest sales season, on behalf of Jewelers of America staff and Board Directors, I'd like to wish you a joyous -- and successful -- holiday season. Our gratitude for your ongoing participation in Jewelers of America is immeasurable, and it is our mission to defend the love and joy associated with your jewelry sales during the holidays and throughout the year. The outlook seems bright as retail sales are on the rise.
You'll be receiving fewer communications from JA until 2011, because your focus must be with your company, customers and, most importantly, your family and friends. May your holiday season be blessed with joy, health and success -- and here's
to an even brighter 2011!
Sincerely, Matthew A. Runci President & CEO |
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Important Update on the Status of Diamonds from Zimbabwe
Last week, JA President & CEO Matthew A. Runci sent you an important update on the Kimberley Process (KP) and the status of diamond exports from the Marange region of Zimbabwe. JA reminds members that, at present, the KP has NOT approved further shipments of diamonds from the Marange region of Zimbabwe. According to Boaz Hirsch of the Israeli government, Chair of the Kimberley Process, no trade of Marange diamonds is authorized until an agreement between Participant governments has been reached.
Therefore, any shipments of diamonds from the Marange region are unauthorized by the KP and should not be considered legitimate. At the request of the U.S. State Department, we urge you to practice due diligence by reminding your suppliers that you will not accept any diamonds that have been sourced from the Marange region of Zimbabwe until further notice.
Be prepared on this issue by reviewing JA's comprehensive member guidance with your staff. 
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 De Beers Settlement Update
A hearing date of February 23, 2010, has been set by the U.S. appeals court for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia to reconsider its previous rejection of the $295 million settlement for the De Beers antitrust case. . . 
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 JIC to Produce 2011 AGS Conclave Fashion Show
Jewelry Information Center will produce the annual American Gem Society (AGS) Conclave Fashion Show, on April 27, 2011, at the Westin St. Francis, in San Francisco, CA. Suppliers who participate will have unprecedented access to AGS retailers throughout the four-day Conclave . . .
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 Reminder! JA Membership Renewals Due
Jewelers of America greatly values your membership. Our annual membership renewal process has begun and your invoice was mailed to you last week. Members can renew online by logging into their account at www.jewelers.org.
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 Register Early for the JA New York Winter Show!
Registration is open for the JA New York Winter Show, February 27-March 1, 2011, at Jacob K. Javits Center in New York. The show features more than 700 major designers and manufacturers from around the world and world-class education hosted by Jewelers of America.
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 Now Available: Special Introductory Pricing on New Consumer Education Brochures!
JA's popular consumer education brochures -- the "What You Should Know About" Brochures and Gemstone Leaflets -- have been completely redesigned with gorgeous, full-color designs and updated content. Members should take advantage of a special introductory discount of 20% off orders through December 31, 2010.
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 Gems Among Us Contest: Only a Few Days Left To Vote!
Jewelry Information Center (JIC), JA's consumer education arm, announced the Top 10 finalists in its Gems Among Us Contest. The Contest provided Participating Retailers with a platform to reach out to customers in the run-up to the Thanksgiving holiday. Vote for your favorite "Gem" today!
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 Enter JA's National Retailer Design Competition
As we announced earlier, JA's retailer design competition now allows At-Large Entries and includes more categories. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talent in your store. Entry deadlines are in February 2011, but get full competition details and determine what you'll enter now.
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 November Jewelry Trend: Rings
According to writer JJ Kent, "no article of decoration has been so extensively and prodigally used in most ages and countries" than rings. Today, designers are creating noteworthy rings to be worn for both pure decoration and to reflect sentiment. For example, the ring from K. Brunini's Body Armor Collection (left) is not only a jewel, but the designer sees it as "Warrior Survival Gear."
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 Top 10 Holiday Retail Trends
The National Retail Federation released its Top 10 list for holiday retail trends. There's a lot here that's good for fine jewelry retailers. Value will trump price as a priority for consumers, who are looking for customer service and merchandise quality. Even better: Jewelry is second on holiday wish lists for women. Read the complete list and pass on to your holiday sales team . . . |
TIP: How To Cut Marketing Expenses With Social Media Savvy
Daniel Gordon, president of JA-Member Samuel Gordon Jewelers, was recently profiled on BNET.com in an article detailing how he reduced the company's annual marketing budget 90% by embracing social media marketing. Learn what makes the company's strategy a success . . .
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 The Haake Report: JAPAC Influence Felt on Capitol Hill
The influence of JAPAC, the Jewelers of America Political Action Committee, is growing. JAPAC helped 22 of the 28 candidates it supported this election cycle win their races. JA's Legislative Counsel, Haake & Associates, provides an update.
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 JA Reaches Out To Legislators
The final session of the 111th Congress convened earlier this week. Now is the time for jewelers to speak up on issues that could impact their businesses. JA President & CEO Matthew A. Runci did just that on behalf of members, with a letter sent to all 535 lawmakers on November 8th . . .
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