January 2011 -  Issue 4
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IN THIS ISSUE
Enter JA's Design Competition
JIC Contest Preview!
Media Opportunities!
TIP: 2011 Marketing Trends
2011 GEM Awards
JA Seminars in Tucson
Platinum Merchandise Preview
Jewelry Trend: Blackened Metals
TIP: 2011 Merchandising Trends
Free Seminars at JA New York
TIP: Jewelry Career Advancement
Take Action to Repeal 1099 Bill
Conflict Minerals Legislation Update
New FTC Metal Guidelines
Zimbabwe Diamonds Update
Marketing

One Month Left to Enter JA's Retailer Design Competition
The CASE Awards will be held at the JA New York Winter Show in New York City, February 27-March 1. It is open to all JA Retail Members and their staff, so showcase the talent in your store by entering jewelry pieces. Winners receive awards and national and local media exposure. JBT Retailer Guide to Credit Ratings

JIC's Second Annual Ultimate Proposal Contest Coming Soon
Beginning next month, JIC will be accepting registration from JA Retail Members to participate in its Ultimate Proposal Contest, which runs April 4-June 20. Those who register from February 15-March 15 will be entered to win an iPad, courtesy of GE Money. JBT Retailer Guide to Credit Ratings

Media Opportunities: Call for Images

Jewelry Information Center considers JA Supplier Members' jewelry for media placement in consumer magazines and television trend segments. It's a free member benefit that can result in priceless coverage of your brand. Submit images today!

TIP: Retail Resolutions, Part 1 -- Marketing Trends to Try
To help you get started planning your business resolutions for 2011,  Tobe, a style-forecasting firm, has written its annual State of the Consumer Report, which includes the projected top retail trends for 2011. We've highlighted their marketing retail trends . . . JIC Gems Among Us
 
JA NEWS

Gem Awards Jennifer Hudson and Neil LaneJIC's 2011 GEM Awards Attracts Stars & Industry Elite
The Ninth Annual GEM Awards gala held January 7, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York, is considered "the Academy Awards of the fine jewelry industry." The star-studded event featured Hollywood and jewelry icons including Jennifer Hudson, Neil Lane and Cynthia Nixon. The event honored Lane, Breitling, Marie Claire magazine and Dr. Jeffrey E. Post . . .


Don't Miss JA's Upcoming Seminars at Tucson Shows

Jewelers of America Directors Helena Krodel and David Peters will be presenting seminars at the Centurion Jewelry Show and AGTA GemFair in Tuscon, AZ, on jewelry trends, merchandising and marketing. Visit JA's Seminar Directory to get details!  



BUSINESS

Merchandise Preview: Entry Platinum
According to Platinum Guild International, a range of platinum inventory is key to successful platinum sales and profits. Check out PGI's Entry Platinum catalog for ideas on how to stimulate incremental platinum business with entry Platinum bridal rings and fashion product from $1,000 MSRP.

Jewelry Trend: Blackened Precious Metals
Black is back . . . not that it ever went out of fashion. Today oxidized metals, especially sterling silver, are taking the jewelry industry by storm. Designers love the finish for its tough, not so prissy, appeal. For jewelry featuring blackened precious metals, styles, finishes and metal combinations are abundant. Check out the hottest trends and influences on oxidized jewelry . . .

TIP: Retail Resolutions, Part 2 -- Merchandising Trends to Try
Tobe's annual State of the Consumer Report also gave retailers a guide to top 2011 fashion and merchandising trends. For fine jewelry retailers and designers many of these trends involve simple-to-implement strategies like re-featuring classics and incorporating color. Use these top five trends to help you formulate your year-long merchandising plan . . . JIC Gems Among Us

 
EDUCATION & TRAINING

Take Advantage of JA's Expert Seminars at the JANY Winter Show!
Jewelers of America Director of Education David Peters has developed a prestigious roster of free education seminars, taking place February 27-28, at the JA New York Winter Show. Sessions cover the latest fashion trends, social marketing, sales and merchandising tools, quality control and more. Don't miss this great opportunity to boost your management, marketing and sales knowledge! Safety & Security Articles

TIP: 2011 Job Resolutions -- Advance Career Through Professional Education
As you enter 2011, have you taken full stock of the current state of your career? Have you achieved your professional goals? Are you considered an expert among your peers? Are you making the most profits or earning your ideal salary? If you answered no to any of these questions, it's time for a career makeover. There are many ways you can resolve to improve your career in 2011 . . .

LEGISLATION & REGULATION

Take Action to Repeal 1099 Bill
Jewelers of America has launched a new legislative campaign in support of H.R. 144, a bill that would repeal the IRS 1099 reporting requirement included as part of health care reform. It puts a burden on small businesses, increasing time and money spent during tax preparation. Use JA's Legislative Action Center to contact your representatives and urge them to support H.R. 144. 

SEC Seeks Comments on Conflict Minerals Provision of Wall Street Reform Act
In late December, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published draft guidelines for the implementation of the conflict minerals provision within the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Act targets gold from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and nine adjoining countries. JA believes the impact on the gold supply chain could be significant. JA is working with a coalition of industry groups to respond to questions from the SEC by a January 31st deadline. Once this is completed, JA will provide updated guidance and talking points to members. Read our current guidance on the DRC & Gold. (Members Only)
 
FTC Unveils New Platinum Guidelines
Completing a process that began in 2004, the Federal Trade Commission announced updates last month to its Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries. These guidelines clarify how to disclose the content of jewelry made from new platinum/metal alloys . . .

LEGISLATION & REGULATION

Zimbabwe Diamonds Stalemate Continues
The Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) passed from Israel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) over the New Year, yet the impasse over the status of diamond exports from the Marange region of Zimbabwe -- which dates back to November's KP Plenary -- continues. KP participants are still trying to iron out a deal. For now, a suspension of all exports from the region remains in place. Stay tuned for further updates from JA on this important issue. Read our current guidance. (Members Only)