(New York, New York) - This year marks the 50th anniversary for nationally recognized jewelry manufacturer, Fantasy Diamond Corporation. Founded in 1922 by the Wein family, originally as a watch company, Fantasy Diamond grew to be a specialty jewelry manufacturer in 1956. The company is well known in the jewelry industry for producing unique designs, including the most popular Endless Diamond® setting.

Current Fantasy Diamond President, Louis Price says he is “incredibly proud of the success Fantasy Diamond Corporation has achieved. For a family owned company, we have surpassed all expectations and are looking forward to the next 50 years of success.” Price began with the company in 1989 and encouraged an aggressive growth in sales and relationship with national and regional retailers with support from the Wein family. This expansion resulted in a national reputation as a leading source of quality diamond products and trend setting designs.

With the commitment to customers to produce quality pieces, Fantasy Diamond prides itself in having an American made product. With manufacturing facilities in home base Chicago, Illinois and U.S. Virgin Islands they are able to reach key national retailers. The intense focus for product development and creative designs is what makes Fantasy Diamond products the finest quality and most distinctive in the industry.

In addition to Fantasy Diamond’s extensive line of fashion diamond jewelry the company has developed a winning marketing partnership with its retail customers – with a complete co-op advertising program and professionally-produced TV, radio, print ads, direct mail, and in-store advertising for retailer customization.

About Fantasy Diamond Corporation:
Fantasy Diamond Corporation is a nationally recognized leader in diamond jewelry manufacturing and design. The company is respected and known for three collections including Endless Diamonds®, Masterpiece® and Everafter® brands.

This month Heidi Klum had her first appearance on QVC to launch her collection for Mouawad. This highly anticipated debut certainly got a big piece of the QVC pie. Her appearance was well received and everyone loved her pieces as the collection sold out of 14 of 16 styles in the first 36 minutes. Klum’s collection is inspired from a four leave clover as well as the pattern from the Duomo in Milan. (Duomo is the Italian word for the church in the middle of the city/town. Most Italian cities have a Duomo—Milan’s is the most well known for its gothic architecture.)





Personally, I really like this collection. I love the playfulness of the shamrock but I love that it can also be dressed up (ie. Heidi at the Emmy’s this year.) It could also be that I love Heidi Klum and everything she does! The nice thing is that, if one can’t afford the pieces from Heidi’s collection, there are options with similar designs and styles. My favorite kind of steal is from Endless Diamonds. They have similar pieces with a diamond in the center of the pendant.





Either way, we can all look beautiful in diamonds! After all, they are a girl’s best friend!

Via National Jewelry Network: New York—Two iconic Japanese design forces, Mikimoto and clothing designer Yohji Yamamoto, will collaborate on a fine jewelry collection set to launch this fall. Three groups of designs will comprise the Yamamoto-designed collection of about 20 pieces, which will make its official debut in Paris during Couture Week this July.

Mikimoto and Yohji Yamamoto stores worldwide will begin selling the designs in November. "The pearl is a symbol of feminine perfection, and, in the quintessential universe of fine jewelry, it stands alone," reads a Mikimoto statement. "Its perfect form, the subtlety of its irridescence, its refinement singularly unique ...the pearl radiates magnetic attractions. For these reasons, Yohji Yamamoto has decided to design a jewelry collection focused on the pearl.

Mikimoto's incomparable reputation for designing, producing and selling the world's finest cultured pearl jewelry made it a perfect choice for Yohji Yamamoto." Yamamoto, who rose to prominence with his bold designs in the 1980s, is famous for clothing featuring glossy textures and dramatic silhouettes.

Endless Diamonds offers patented touch setting, which will help to celebrate endless love. For a summer wedding every bride wants to be a reflection of happiness. There is no better way to sparkle in the summer sun then to wear jewels. Add enchantment to a summer fairytale wedding with diamonds.

Most Endless Diamonds styles come as a set which includes pendants, earrings, and rings. Almost every design is available in white, yellow or two toned gold. The patented touch setting gives an appearance that is three to five times larger than a single stone at a comparable weight.

Let your magical fantasies come to life on your wedding day with Endless Diamond’s collection of bridal jewelry that has a beautiful selection of diamonds. After all, Endless Love is worth it. The Endless Diamonds Collection by Fantasy Diamond is available at Macy's.

Media Contact:
Jewelry PR Division: Erin at piercemattie dot com

CIRCA, an international buying house that provides a liquid market to the public for previously owned jewelry is opening an office in San Francisco and in the DC metro area. CIRCA has been seducing the world’s finest antique, estate jewelry and diamond sellers since 2001. It is only fitting that the company expands into the bay area and the nation’s capital where a taste for fine gems and jewelry prevail.

CIRCA’s unique service has proven a successful entrée: an expert buying staff, the crème de la crème of customer-service and pricing that is unprecedented. CEO Chris Del Gatto credits CIRCA client’s intense loyalty to the company’s policy of being consumer advocates first. ‘By being honest and transparent throughout the entire process (A process which is daunted with misnomers!), this openness and honesty prevails in each transaction with CIRCA.

Del Gatto’s tenacity has carried the jewelry industry a leap forward. He notes, ‘Through professionalism, honesty, expertise and a tremendous depth of knowledge – CIRCA has set the new standard for caring consumerism. We see an incredible amount of jewelry and our depth of knowledge is truly valuable.’ Because of CIRCA, fine jewelry is now more liquid than anything in a family’s portfolio. Significant items often historically have remained frozen in the vault as ‘non-performing assets.’ At CIRCA once a client accepts an offer, they are immediately presented with a check. No commission charges or fees are deducted. It is a quick, efficient and press-free alternative to the gossipy and expensive atmosphere of the auction house.

As a senior executive that has run the jewelry department of an international auction house and having been in the jewelry business for over 18 years, I've seen that there is nothing else like CIRCA available for consumers,” states Peter Shemonsky Directof CIRCA's San Francisco office and frequent appraiser on The Antiques Roadshow. "The bay area is full of entrepreneurs, actors and socialites, which is the exact demographic that CIRCA would appeal to.”

CIRCA’s access to collections is in steady and solid growth. With offices in New York, Palm Beach, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Las Vegas and Hong Kong; CIRCA has plans for cosmopolitan expansion to Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas and Boston; and internationally to London, Paris, Brazil and beyond. CIRCA works with clients from around the world and is not exclusive to the regional office areas. You can learn more about CIRCA at www.circajewels.com.

The Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC), a division of MVI Marketing Ltd, has just published their annual JCOC Year-in-Review. A complete analysis of consumer research from 2007 JCOC omnibus studies is the foundation for the JCOC Year-in-Review.

“Each year, the JCOC is able to build on the archive of consumer research we have collected,” stated Elizabeth Chatelain, president of MVI Marketing Ltd., who goes on to say, “major topics of interest for the fine jewelry and watch industries have been covered in depth.”

This report was designed to be of maximum help to retailers and manufacturers in the U.S. and abroad to better understand their business and how North American consumers will affect it.

In the area of seasonal gift-giving, consumer confidence trends and jewelry buying habits, a few of the major topics covered include: self-purchasing on the rise, trends in Sterling Silver, and some surprising nuances of Valentine’s, Mother’s and Father’s Days, Graduation, and December Holidays. Where the consumer shops, how much they planned on spending and how much they actually spent are reviewed and the findings have already been used by retailers and manufacturers who are JCOC annual subscribers and others who have purchased JCOC studies throughout the year.

The 2007 JCOC Year-in-Review is available as a PDF download for US$695 by visiting www.jcoc.info.

The Emmys Celebrate their Diamond Anniversary 

In accoradance with wedding anniversary tradition, the Emmys would be having their “diamond year” with their 60th awards cermony this Sunday, September 21.  Of course the Emmys' red carpet is full of diamond drenched celebs every year, but an extra special piece, the "Platinum Clutch,” will be showcased at the annual Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) Emmy Awards Jewely Preview starting tomorrow, the 18th, running through Saturday, the 20th.

History Repeats itself with Archival Inspired Fine Jewelry Lines

Designers in general often look to their predecessors’ work for inspiration.  This is clearly evident in a number of fine jewelry lines popping up around the world lately.

One example of this window to the past is Van Cleef and Arpels nod to a past collaboration with George Balanchine. Ballet master Balachine’s mystification by the Fifth Avenue Van Cleef and Arpels window display of rubies, diamonds and emerald was the jumping off point for collaboration between dance and precious stones in the 1960s. 

New York City Ballet dancer Suzanne Farrell models Van Cleef - Arpels jewelry with Claude Arpels and George Balanchine in 1976

In 2006 the diamond business in Botswana was booming. Since the discovery of diamonds in 1967, it has been nearly 40 years of constant growth in Africa. But, when sales start to decline (a whopping 68% recently), Botswana tries to keep up by “keeping up with the Kardashians.” On Kim Kardashian’s recent stint to the diamond industry in Africa through Russell Simmon’s Diamond Empowerment Fund, DeBeers hired her to promote diamonds from Botswana to the United States.

After 10 years in business, Blue Nile, Inc., the leading online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry, today announced the launch of an all new Blue Nile website (www.bluenile.com). With new innovative features, enhanced product visualization, larger images, expanded product detail, and new ways to view products the site provides customers with an even better way to shop for the finest in diamonds and jewelry.
“Since our founding in 1999, Blue Nile has grown from startup to become the leading online jewelry retailer, as well as one of the largest specialty jewelers in the world. We created the new website to provide an enhanced look and feel that reflects our premium brand positioning,” said Diane Irvine, Chief Executive Officer. “Consistent with our guiding principle of executing with excellence for our customers, our site provides exciting new tools and features that will enhance the Blue Nile shopping experience.”

Neiman Marcus launches the "What's Your Passion for Fashion? Challenge - Round 1". The program, located at www.neimanmarcus.com/passionforfashion, invites fashionistas to pull together looks for Fall looks from Neiman Marcus. Entrants must select at least one item from the dresses, tops, outerwear, pants, skirts, jackets, shoes, jewelry, handbags, and accessories categories to create their looks and then describe why their looks are perfect for Fall fashion.

Forty-two finalists will be selected from Round 1 to move onto Round 2 for the chance to win a $5,000 gift card.

"Indulge in a pant suit, go for green and give your footwear the boot! A Fall must-have. Passion for Fashion let's you take all the seasons best trends for a spin and turn the runway into your reality," said Ken Downing Senior Vice President Fashion Director Neiman Marcus.

In keeping with its mission to be the Web's premier source for discovering the best products as determined by real consumers, Kaboodle (http://www.kaboodle.com), the largest social Web site for passionate shoppers, today unveiled its All Things Indie channel (www.kaboodle.com/channel/indie) and the Kaboodle Pop10 product popularity index (http://www.kaboodle.com/pop10/etsy-floral-jewelry).

The All Things Indie channel drives product discovery by showcasing a collection of community-selected products from boutique brands and retailers and individual artists from all over the world. It is also home to independent designer profiles and Kaboodle's weekly "Etsy Inside Scoop" report, which offers trend forecasts, exclusive discounts, and curated collections of the best new finds on Etsy, the Web's top source for handmade goods.

The channel is in direct response to shoppers' interests and Kaboodle's overall mission to enable consumers to easily find the very best products from all sources in one location. VP of Content and Community Erika Lenkert explains, "Our shopping community has always been very supportive of and enthusiastic about harder-to-find, unique products as well as the best finds from national brands. They love mixing staples from larger retailers with unusual pieces from independent designers because it helps them define their individual style. But until now, the best of indie creations have been hard to find. The channel makes the hunt for special items much easier."

The All Things Indie channel also hosts the first Kaboodle Pop10, the company's new product popularity index. To determine the Pop10, shoppers are presented with a range of items, chosen based on community interest and editorial selection. They then have a limited period of time to vote on their favorite products in various categories; the 10 items with the most votes are showcased, in order of popularity, on Kaboodle in a special Pop10 section of the site.

The first Pop10 will focus on floral-themed jewelry exclusively from Etsy designers. According to Lenkert, "Kaboodle and Etsy are a natural fit for collaboration given their similarly passionate shopping communities. The Kaboodle Pop10 helps the Kaboodle community mine the rich expanse of handmade and vintage items on Etsy to discover and shop directly from their favorite designers."

Future Pop10s will include some advertiser sponsorship opportunities and the ability to syndicate Pop10 voting and results to partner sites so consumers can identify trends and best buys in real-time wherever they are browsing.

This fall, Macy's takes magic to a whole new level with the launch of its "Find Your Magic" campaign. Harnessing the power of the magical Macy's brand, the effort aims to dazzle and delight customers and the general public.  From incredible fashion and value to world-famous events, the magic of Macy's has been enchanting the world for more than 150 years. With a new iconic television spot, magic in-store elements, and an engaging online destination at www.macys.com/findyourmagic, Macy's will create a sense of fantasy with fresh and fun experiences for customers everyday.

"With more than 150 years of magic-making experience, Macy's is the place where everything comes together for our customers in fun and entertaining ways," said Martine Reardon, executive vice president of Marketing for Macy's. "Our brand promises a magical experience everyday, whether that is the excitement of finding the perfect shoe or seeing a giant character balloon take flight on Thanksgiving Day, the magic of Macy's is evident in acts both big and small."

Steuben Glass LLC, America's preeminent crystal company, has unveiled an extensive rebranding initiative to broaden its customer base and reach a new generation with its iconic modern designs. A revamped Steuben arrives in September with sweeping changes that will appeal to a wider variety of customers while remaining true to its heritage. Expansion plans include new product lines, new designer collections including licensing agreements with Jonathan Adler and Waterworks, and more accessibly priced collections. In Fall 2010, the consumer will see a new Steuben identity and a fully redesigned website.

Several product lines will debut in September 2010, offering Steuben designs at more affordable prices, including stemware, tabletop and decorative accessories. President Mark Samitt says "It is time to take major steps to position Steuben for the way we live today. We have legions of loyal fans that appreciate our impeccable craftsmanship and commitment to outstanding design, and we are planning to extend this enthusiasm to a broader audience. The customer is looking for luxury at every level, and our new product categories address this need."

In the Spring, Steuben will launch a tabletop collection with one of the country's leading lifestyle brands, Jonathan Adler. Adler is renowned for trendsetting designs, use of bold color and groovy styling. This line will be a fresh, contemporary offering from Steuben, with an array of products including barware, platters, picture frames, decorative objects and more. Much of Adler's aesthetic is based upon mid-century modern icons; during this period Steuben was considered to be the height of good taste and design, making the collaboration a natural fit. It will be sold at Steuben and Jonathan Adler stores, and select Steuben retailers.

In addition to a new logo, packaging and web site, Steuben is refocusing its brand positioning, emphasizing casual luxury for the way we live today. The company is focusing on the ways crystal can be used to make everyday a special occasion. This messaging will appear in a national print and on-line campaign launching in September.

Since 1903, Steuben has been made by hand at its Corning, New York glassworks. Its unique glass is made from an outstanding and proprietary optical formula. Information on Steuben is available on line at www.steuben.com or by phone at 1-800-STEUBEN. Steuben Glass LLC is a branch of the Schottenstein Luxury Group, ("SLG"), the luxury division of the Schottenstein family of businesses.

The October issue of WSJ., The Wall Street Journal's luxury lifestyle magazine, will be available on Saturday, Oct. 23, leading with "How to Buy," an informative, discerning investment guide. From prestige wines and estate jewelry to vintage cars and investment handbags, WSJ. reveals how to acquire luxury items without costly mistakes. Considering a facelift? "How to Buy" explains how to proceed safely and avoid any unpleasant surprises. And for those contemplating the purchase of a private helicopter, it's a buyers market out there—but don't forget to figure in the costs of fuel, maintenance, and the helipad.

In "The Shoe-In," WSJ. profiles one of Italy's most successful entrepreneurs: Tod's CEO Diego Della Valle, who transformed his family's cobbler business into the iconic luxury brand. The European carpetbagger of the American preppy look, Tod's has become a staple of a way of dressing that idealizes weekends in the Hamptons and Cape Cod. Christina Passanello examines the history of Tod's and its successful expansion into Asia and explains why John F. Kennedy is Della Valle's idol.

The October issue continues with "The Partnership," in which novelists Martin Amis and Isabel Fonseca reveal the pleasures of reading, writing and living together—separately. "Spin Master" gives readers a glimpse of textile designer Michael Maharam's extraordinary collection of rare, one-of-a-kind handmade bicycles. And in "Wild Green Yonder," Alastair Gordon celebrates the pleasures of rugged golf courses that embrace the natural landscape. While those pleasures at one Scottish course may include an aggravated bull, they also swing golfers back into the original spirit of the game.

WSJ.'s October issue is the final issue overseen by Tina Gaudoin, who recently assumed the position of contributing editor of style and fashion for The Wall Street Journal Europe in London. The December issue of WSJ. – available on December 4 – will be the first issue from newly named editor in chief Deborah Needleman.

In a match-up that is both sophisticated and a little bit rock n' roll, Pandora, the leading personalized radio service, and Simmons Jewelry Co., today announce an exclusive launch of an advertising campaign for the Russell Simmons Men's Steel Collection. The campaign, dubbed "Answering Machine," will feature the voice of Russell Simmons and female fans, in a fifteen-second audio spot, as well as companion banners on the Pandora website.

Pandora brings Simmons Jewelry Co. to the key audience of men and women, ages 20-45. The 30-day campaign will first appear exclusively on Pandora, and will later be edited for distribution in select broadcast radio markets.

"My Steel jewelry collection for men is all about masculinity, confidence and strength. Pandora makes my message ring with tens of millions of women and men across America," said Russell Simmons, CEO of Simmons Jewelry Co.

"We feel that jewelry can be an important element that communicates style and the essence of who you are. Pandora connects people to music in much the same way. It was a natural fit to combine the two," said Celeste Lee, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Simmons Jewelry Co.

"Pandora has the key ability to connect brands with audiences who are deeply engaged. We know that listeners lean-forward into the Pandora music experience, creating a unique opportunity for a lifestyle brand like Simmons Jewelry Co. to connect with an audience fully tuned in to their message," described Tim Westergren, Pandora Founder and Chief Strategy Officer

"Simmons Jewelry Co. wanted to utilize our targeted advertising platform and sizable user-base to bring the Steel Collection to an engaged, receptive audience. We were delighted that Mr. Simmons himself recorded the advertisement. His participation will really make the campaign resonate and it perfectly highlights the creative edge that our listeners expect and that our advertising partners find so valuable from Pandora," said Brian Mikalis, Vice President of Sales, Pandora

Pandora has more than 65 million registered users who listen to their personalized radio stations through more than 200 devices, including PCs, smartphones, the iPad and in-home connected devices such as televisions, BluRay players, table-top radios and digital media players.

The National Jewelry Security Association has designated April as the first annual Jewelry Check-Up Month, stressing the importance of inspecting and maintaining jewelry like you would any other valuable asset. Independent jewelers across the country are promoting the benefits of having individual jewelry items regularly inspected for damage or weakness. Much like a stock market account wouldn’t be left unattended for years, valuable jewelry assets shouldn’t go without frequent inspection by a qualified local jeweler. In fact, having jewelry inspected every six months can prevent heartbreaking loss later on.

“Jewelry worn for years without maintenance is the number one cause of loss, even above theft,” says Cindy Ritzi, president and founder of the National Jewelry Security Association. “ Millions of dollars in jewelry are lost each year because people don’t take the time to have it regularly inspected.”

It's fixing to be a hot summer this year! And I'm not talking about the weather. Hamptons Magazine will be making it's way back into the arms of New Yorkers and will be featuring the hottest parties of the summer.

With the city being in a flurry this winter (how many times can we say snowpocalypse in one season?), the summer is looking quite nice. And what better way to get out of the sweltering heat? Head over to the Hamptons and soak in the beauty! Hamptons Magazine publisher, Jason Binn, is well connected and makes it a point to have the celebrities around him. So this year, the events will only continue to get bigger and better and the magazine will be highlighting them all. Last year's Hampton Classic Horse Show had Kelly Ripa, Matt Lauer and even Mayor Bloomberg turn out for the celebration.