Think Quality over Quantity This Holiday Season

According to a recent poll by the National Retail Federation, “53% of Americans say they will be spending less money this Holiday season.”  Being in the throws of such challenging economic times, it’s hard to fathom that people are even thinking of shopping for the upcoming Holiday. Well think again! As the great musician Kerry King said, “The show must go on”— and so it will, just a little more fine tuned. This upcoming Holiday people are not totally swearing off of buying gifts for loved ones, but they are shopping with a strategy and are being more discriminating with their purchases. Quality over quantity and less is more will be the mantras controlling consumer’s wallets spelling good news for fine jewelry retailers.

Jean Chatzky, financial editor for NBC’s Today show, reported a key shopping trend during an October 21 appearance on NBC’s Today show. Chatzky stated that “Consumers will cut back on the overall number of gifts they buy but, will probably buy a higher quality gift for each person.” She also went on to make the point that consumers need to have a game plan and a budget in mind when shopping.  Feeding off of this trend means encouraging sales forecasts for retailers of fine jewelry due to the lasting and personal sentiments attached to such gifts.

In a sea of choices, where does one get the best bang for their buck when looking for quality “bling” on a shoestring? According to the online internet research website eMarketer.com, “This year online holiday sales(excluding travel) will total 32.1 billion, up 10.1% over 2007 and 49% of holiday gift spending among US Internet users will occur online, compared with 44% in stores.”

One such online resource, WhiteFlash.com, a premier online fine jewelry retailer, offers a plethora of items that put the personal touch back in gifting.  Delivering unique and affordable gifts for any budget, this site is known for its impeccable service and high quality goods.  Another bonus to purchasing jewelry items here can be found in their charity focused sub lines, Dreams of Africa, and AWEAR: Jewelry for Conscious Kids.  What is so unbelievably unique about these lines is that a substantial portion of the proceeds from sales, 100% profit from Dreams of Africa and 25% from AWEAR items, goes to support children in nations hit hard by the blood diamond trade.  Gifting with a cause is another powerful trend that stretches hard earned dollars way beyond their face value.  In a time when conscious spending is paramount, this perk makes you feel good about spending.

This holiday season Whiteflash wanted to begin an initiative to educate consumers about conflict diamonds and purchasing socially conscious gifts this holiday. Whiteflas.com introduces “Green Love” this holiday season because as an online e-tailor we know that it is all about peace of mind. Right now if you order any Whiteflash conflict free diamond during the period of November 29th to January 25th and be automatically entered to win your choice of Mini Dreams of Africa pendant or Dreams of Africa ® earrings made with Whiteflash A Cut Above ® melee diamonds in your choice of white or yellow gold. Two lucky winners will be selected.

So regardless of your budget this Holiday, make your dollars count and remember that the most gratifying part of giving is the sentiment behind the gift.

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World's First Diamond Dreidel

 

Not all dreidels are created equal this Hanukkah because now there is a sparkling spin on your Hanukkah dreidel. Over the years, they have come in many forms, but now, Mervis Diamond Importers is claiming to have created the world's very first diamond dreidel.

The Platinum Micro-Pave Diamond Dreidel is priced at $1,800.00, and is available in very limited quantities. It features .96 carats of diamonds hand-set in platinum. This is not only an exceptional gift for those of the Jewish variety, but for diamond collectors and anyone fascinated by religion.

 

Via: Luxist498257

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Customers Dazzeled by Whiteflash.com's 2010 Diamond Calendar

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

  It was such a wonderful surprise that my custom designed ring was featured in your Whiteflash 2010 custom design calendar. My dear husband was so delighted.

  This ring was my first custom made ring and I am so glad that I contacted WF to take this on. I cannot put into words how surprised I was with the end result, except to quote my husband, "That's awesome!" I get nothing but complements when I wear it and my co-workers were aw-stricken.

  Best regards to you and everyone at WF!

  Happy Holidays!
Mimi

 

 

 

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Chicken Egg-Sized Diamond Could Get Over $30 Million

Bloomberg calls it a chicken-egg-sized diamond but the 507.6 carat rough stone found at Petra Diamonds' Cullinan mine in South Africa in September could earn some serious scratch. The diamond was part of a haul of four large stones found at the mine in September. The other stones, including a 168-carat stone sold for $6.28 million last week, have all been sold off. The other two stones sold for a total of $2.8 million. Now BMO Capital Markets is predicting a possible price of $31 million for biggest stone. The price is just an estimate.

Petra is still considering what to do with the stone. Stones of this size aren't found too often and the company is taking its time and pursuing all angles before any potential sale. The company's goal is obviously to get the biggest price for the stone but also to help make sure that the stone's legend lives on. Unlike many small diamonds, large stones tend to carry the name of their source along with them. It's hard to say what the final carat count will be. Rough stones can lose half their carat weight in polishing. Depending on the inclusions and other flaws that the diamond cutters will have to work around this could yield several substantial cut stones which could each go on to command their own multimillion price tags as they head down the supply chain.

 

[Sources: Bloomberg News]

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Gem Records set at Christie's Hong Kong Auction

Hong Kong's fall sales have been great for records, especially for Christie's Auction House. A pink diamond no larger than a chickpea went for $10.8 million, according to Bloomberg News. The stone had the second-highest rating available (potentially flawless) and a weight of 5 carats. It shattered the per-carat record set back in May. Back then, Hong Kong property investor Joseph Lau picked up a 7.03-carat blue diamond at an auction in Geneva for $10.5 million.

The pink diamond was sent under the gavel by Graff Diamonds, a London-based jeweler. The stone was sold to a phone bidder who beat out Liu Yiqian and his wife, Wang Wei. But, those two have bought enough already, right?

Overall, the 255 lots sold (an 89 percent sell rate) brought in HK$372 million, with the action pushed forward by mainland Chinese, a growing trend in the auction world this year. Donald May, a ruby and sapphire dealer based in Hong Kong, attended the auction and told Bloomberg, "There's a lot of mainland Chinese buying; either they didn't know what the items are worth or they wanted them so badly that price didn't matter." He believes that prices were pushed way out of control.

There were other records set in Hong Kong, as well. A sapphire weighing 16.65 carats, set by Van Cleef & Arpels, brought in HK$18.6 million, also setting a per-carat record.

[Photo courtesy of Christie's]

[Source Bloomberg News]

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Whiteflash.com Shares Diamond Expertise with Washington Post

Whiteflash.com CEO Debi Wexler recently sat down with The Washington Post to talk Dreams of Africa, responsible diamond giving, the history of wedding rings and much much more….

A Unique Gift from Nature
Loose diamonds are both the most magical and versatile of Nature’s creations, and have fascinated mankind for over four thousand years. They reflect powerful values of love and commitment, and have contributed significantly to scientific and economic progress—from their use in industrial manufacturing and construction, to the development of intricate surgical instruments. Today, an estimated 10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry, many in developing economies such as Botswana and India. An estimated 5 million people globally have access to appropriate healthcare thanks to revenues from diamonds. Debswana, a mining company in Botswana, recently became the first mining company in the world to extend free anti-retroviral treatment to HIV positive employees, their life partners, their children, and former employees for life.

Diamond revenues enable every child in Botswana to receive free education up to age 13. In Namibia, the diamond mining industry is the largest employer after the government. In spite of the contribution diamonds continue to make to the wellbeing of millions, their high value makes them vulnerable to theft and abuse. This was highlighted in the 1990s when rebel organizations in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone expropriated diamonds and used the revenues to perpetrate civil war and carry out atrocities against innocent civilians. Having been made aware of the urgency to act by two non-governmental organizations, (Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada), the diamond industry acted swiftly to co-operate with NGOs, governments and the United Nations. It established the World Diamond Council, representing the entire industry from mining to retail. The World Diamond Council contributed significantly to the development of the UN mandated Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which ensures that today more than 99 percent of diamonds are from conflict-free sources. Still, one diamond traded for conflict is one too many and that is why we continue to work, together with NGOs, governments and the UN, to eradicate this illegal trade entirely. There are now 74 governments that are members of the Kimberley Process.

The World Diamond Council encourages readers to challenge their jeweler to provide assurance that the diamonds in their jewelry have been purchased from reliable sources.

…10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry…

Dreams of Africa
One American jeweler determined to address Africa’s continued suffering has introduced a conflict-free diamond pendant. Debi Wexler, CEO of one of the largest online diamond retailers, Whiteflash.com, is dedicating all proceeds from her $4,400 conflict-free Diamonds of Africa diamond pendant to supporting children who have suffered under blood diamond conflicts and to creating awareness to combat illicit diamond trade. “Africa is earth’s most vivid mosaic of cultural and natural beauty. But for all her richness and life, this beautiful portrait is stained where unrest brings hunger and suffering to her children,” says Wexler, who holds these issues close to her heart.

“The Dreams of Africa pendant’s sparkling conflict-free diamonds symbolize innocence and its bold sapphires symbolize truth. The beautiful center stone represents Mother Africa and is Whiteflash’s branded diamond ‘A Cut Above’ ™. This is the most visually balanced diamond in the world ™. World Centers of Compassion for Children International, WCCCI, works to establish an initial learning center, headquartered in Italy, which will provide scholarships for children from Sierra Leone and other locations across Africa, and to instill values of peace and understanding during these children’s early education. Italy’s government donated the land where the center is located.

Green Love: Order any Whiteflash conflict-free diamond and be entered to win a Mini Dreams-of-Africa Pendant or a air of Dreams of Africa earrings.

Responsible Giving
Against the backdrop of a faltering economy, the diamond industry’s corporate social responsibility credentials are timelier than ever.

Diamond companies are talking about more than just carats and colors these days. As consumers demand more added value than ever, the industry is drawing attention to its commitment to improving the lives of the people who create diamonds and its broader philanthropic initiatives. In Botswana, approximately 25 percent of the labor force is linked to diamonds, according to the World Diamond Council. Many African countries do not have sufficient tax revenues to pay for public education. Botswana, with the help of diamond revenues, is one of the exceptions. In 2006, the Botswanan President said this: “Revenue from diamonds has enabled the government to fund virtually 100 percent of basic education, provide virtually free health care, build the infrastructure that
has supported our economic activity, and to fund 80 percent of the anti-retroviral drugs that have given hope to our fellow citizens living with HIV/AIDS.”

Wedding Ring History: Questions Answered
It all started in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria handed Mary of Burgundy a diamond set gold ring and asked her to marry him. Soon royalty and all who could afford to adopted the tradition of offering a diamond as a symbol of everlasting love and commitment. The tradition of putting the ring on the left-hand ring finger is thought to have been popularized by the Egyptians who believed this finger contains the blood vessels directly connected to the heart. For over five centuries, men have given women diamonds in an effort to take their relationship to a whole new level. Despite the economy, jewelers report the engagement and bridal markets are still proving to be laden with gold.

Raise your hand if you knew the tradition of wedding and diamond engagement rings started way back in 1477. And don't lie.

Jewelers on the Web
Luxury jewelry brands have moved online with caution. Now an increasing number are leveraging the internet for ecommerce. Many fine jewelers have long believed that jewelry needed to be touched and felt before it was bought. Whiteflash.com now one of America’s largest online diamond retailers, has simplified the buying process of an engagement ring online and has helped change that outlook somewhat.

Diamonds for the Holidays
While caution sums up the mood of the moment, imaginative diamond jewelry design at the highest levels this holiday shopping season shows no signs of slowing down. High jewelers are introducing elaborate new pieces this winter designed to inspire and impress. Despite much talk of doom of gloom this year, the show is still very much on in the world of high jewelry. Whiteflash.com has reported and increased demand for its classic and clean lined designs, especially for engagement rings.

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Fashion Trends 2010: Jewelry is Going Green

 

The year 2009 is almost upon us and as with every year, a new day brings a new fashion trend. Jewelry is going green this year and natural material will top the list of must haves. Conflict Free Diamonds and green materials will reign on the top of the jewelry list and wearing them will be all about drowning yourself in accessories.

The 2010 fashion trend for jewelry offers a sort of celebration for Mother Earth and this celebration is nothing less than huge. Large socially conscious jewelry pieces created from natural materials will don the necks, wrists and maybe even the waists of some of the most fashion forward people in the world. The point is to look smaller than your jewelry and 2010 fashion trend jewelry offers just that effect.

Gems are also moving toward the natural and thus the wild. The worldly nature of gem jewelry tends to focus more this year on bringing the 2009 fashion trend for jewelry out of America and into the world market. Traditional African styles are on the top of this list, on of the most popular is the Dreams of Africa ® Diamond Pendant by Whiteflash. Another bonus to purchasing jewelry items from Whiteflash.com can be found in their charity focused sub lines, Dreams of Africa and AWEAR: Jewelry for Conscious Kids.  What is so unbelievably unique about these lines is that a substantial portion of the proceeds from sales, 100% profit from Dreams of Africa and 25% from AWEAR items, goes to support children in nations hit hard by the blood diamond trade.  Gifting with a cause is another powerful trend that stretches hard earned dollars way beyond their face value.  In a time when conscious spending is paramount, this perk makes you feel good about spending.

 

This holiday season Whiteflash is beginning an initiative to educate consumers about conflict diamonds and how to purchase socially conscious gifts for your loved ones this holiday. Whiteflash.com introduces “Green Love” this holiday season. As an online e-tailor we know that it is all about your peace of mind and your wallet. Right now if you order any Whiteflash conflict free diamond during the period of November 29^th to January 25^th you will be automatically entered to win your choice of Mini Dreams of Africa pendant or Dreams of Africa ® earrings made with Whiteflash A Cut Above ® melee diamonds in your choice of white or yellow gold. Two lucky winners will be selected.

For the younger crowd, charms and brilliant gems are still on top of the list. These all time favorites do not seem to be moving from the top for a long time in the future, either. It seems the younger generation has found something it likes in fashion jewelry trends and plans on sticking with it.

Ladies, 2010 is the year of our Mother Earth and the celebration will be large. The time has come to throw out those large silver hoops, leave the chain belts behind and scrap the layered metal necklaces. This year wearing natural materials such green jewelry and conflict free diamonds are what the in crowd will be wearing.

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