The JA Report: News, Tips & Trends from Jewelers of America

Retail's BIG Blog | Top ten holiday trends for 2010

The National Retail Federation released its Top 10 list for holiday retail trends. There's a lot here that's good for our retail jewelry members. According to NRF, value will trump price as a priority for consumers, who are looking for customer service and merchandise quality -- two things Jewelers of America Members master. Jewelry is second on women's holiday wish lists -- with 33.3% of women picking it as their gift of choice. Read the complete list and pass on to your holiday sales team . . . click here for full article.

via blog.nrf.com

The Haake Report: JAPAC Has a Say in D.C.

With the most recent election cycle completed, Jewelers of America’s Legislative Counsel, Timothy Haake, says that the influence of jewelers has grown significantly on Capitol Hill. 

Haake, the founder and principal of Haake & Associates, says that JAPAC, the Jewelers of America Political Action Committee, made its biggest and most successful contributions to political campaigns during the recent midterm elections. JAPAC contributed to the campaigns of 28 candidates looking to be elected or retain their seats in tight or "toss-up" races. Of these, 22 candidates went on to win on November 2.

Samuel Gordon Jewelers: A Small Business That Gets Social Media | BNET

Daniel Gordon, president of Jewelers of America-Member Samuel Gordon Jewelers, was recently profiled on BNet.com in an article detailing how he reduced the annual marketing budget to $50,000 by embracing social media marketing. Read what makes the company's strategy a success . . . click for full article.

via bnet.com

De Beers Diamonds -- Update on Class Action Case

The U.S. appeals court for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia has set a hearing date for February 23, 2011, to reconsider its previous rejection of the $295 million settlement for De Beers antitrust case. The settlement was dealt a blow when the court declared that it was not legal and could not proceed.

The court found issue with the differing laws in the 50 states and the consequential treatment of each plaintiff -- all of the consumers, purchasers or resellers who filed claims. Appeals were filed, and now the court has agreed to rehear the case before all 15 judges.

Industry associations including the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America (DMIA) and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) have submitted briefs to support the lower court’s approval of the settlement.

As the court case involving De Beers diamond sales and alleged overcharging drags on, Jewelers of America -- with its attorneys -- is following the case very closely. JA is advised that the end is in sight, even though there is another obstacle to clear. According to the most recent update from the DMIA, the earliest these matters could be settled, barring further complications, will be late next summer. JA will continue to keep its members and consumers updated on the action of the rehearing before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

For more information about the De Beers Settlement, visit:

• Appeals court to re-hear De Beers settlement case
• De Beers Settlement Website

 

Jewelers of America Reaches Out to Legislators

With the final “lame duck” session of the 111th Congress convening today, November 15th, now is the time for jewelers to speak up on issues that could impact their businesses. Jewelers of America President & CEO Matthew A. Runci did just that on behalf of Jewelers of America members, with a letter sent to all 535 lawmakers on November 8th.

Runci told legislators that, “As owners of mom-and-pop shops, JA members make invaluable contributions to the local, regional and national economy through job creation and financial support of local commerce.”

JIC to Produce 2011 AGS Conclave Fashion Show

Jewelry Information Center (JIC) — the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America and the leading fashion authority in the jewelry and watch industry — will produce the annual American Gem Society (AGS) Conclave Fashion Show, on April 27, 2011, at the Westin St. Francis, in San Francisco, CA. 

“Jewelry Information Center is thrilled to partner with American Gem Society in the planning and production of this year’s exciting fashion show,” says Helena Krodel, Jewelers of America's director of media and special events . “Since 1946, Jewelry Information Center has been known as the fashion and trends authority for the fine jewelry and watch industry; we can think of no better platform to publicize the hottest jewelry than at the highly-regarded AGS Conclave.”