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

2012 Jewelry Trends from Jewelry Information Center's Fine Jewelry Preview

The jewelry trend experts at Jewelry Information Center, Jewelers of America's consumer education arm, unveiled its top jewelry picks for 2012 weeks in advance of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, at its Annual Fine Jewelry Preview and Luncheon on Wednesday, August 24, in New York.

“As the jewelry industry continues to synthesize with the fashion industry, holding JIC’s Annual Fine Jewelry Preview in close proximity to Fashion Week was perfectly timed to provide jewelry trend inspiration for high-fashion editors and trendsetters as well as inspiration for consumers thinking about how to accessorize," says Helena Krodel, JIC spokesperson.

Check out our round-up of pics from the event and visit JIC's website, www.JIC.org, for more of their top jewelry trends!

The Fine Jewelry Preview featured more than 120 pieces in total, and featured jewelry form JIC and its partners American Gem Trade Association, Cultured Pearl Association of America, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, Platinum Guild International USA and World Gold Council (WGC jewelry selections pictured above).

Use JIC's Fall Contest to Benefit Your Brand

As jewelers, you share in some of the most romantic (engagements, anniversaries) and life-changing moments (weddings, births, promotions) of your customers' lives. You know that each piece of jewelry you create or sell to a customer carries with it a special memory and story that is valued far beyond the price of the piece.

Have your customers share these jewelry stories  in Jewelry Information Center's fall  Sparkling Snapshots Contest, and they could win a Grand Prize package that includes a luxurious spa getaway and jewelry.

Cracking the Code: Practice Full Product Disclosure

In August, Jewelers of America launched “Cracking the Code: A Guide to Jewelers of America’s Code of Professional Practices.” The guide is designed to help Jewelers of America members protect their businesses and achieve high standards for ethical, social and environmental practices.

To highlight the insightful and creative strategies included in "Cracking the Code," we’ll be offering regular "sneak peeks" at its content, which is divided into three sections: 

• "Living the Code" with information on specific JA practices
• "Communicating the Code" with tips on communicating responsible business practices
• "Beyond the Code" -- an overview of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)

This month, we focus on the important and timely topic of proper product disclosure. 

The Haake Report: Review of Q4 2011 Legislative Outlook

It has been a busy year for Congress and the next year promises to be even more critical -- for legislators and businesses -- as the 2012 elections approach. In this high-stakes environment, Jewelers of America is tracking issues that could impact jewelry businesses while advocating on behalf of jewelry industry interests.

Our legislative counsel, Haake & Associates, offers the following insights:
Recent, hard-fought legislative victories -- like the repeal of the IRS 1099 regulation, the introduction of the Main Street Fairness Act in Congress and the continued protection of the last in, first out (LIFO) accounting method -- are temporary gains.

Top 5 Reasons to Enter 2012 CASE Awards

Jewelers of America is gearing up for its 2012 national retailer design competition, The CASE Awards, to be held at the JA New York Winter Show, January 22-24, 2012. The competition recognizes the Creativity, Artistry, Style and Excellence in JA Members' jewelry designs.

The competition is a wonderful opportunity to highlight your store’s jewelry design and bench craftsmanship. We've listed our Top 5 Reasons every JA Member should enter the 2012 competition. After you've read them, visit www.jewelers.org/caseawards to see past winners, get the entry form and read the contest guidelines.

Holiday Emails You Can -- & Should -- Plan Now

Get ahead of the rush by planning your end-of-year customer outreach with these tips from Constant Contact

It’s hard to believe the holiday sales season is almost upon us. And yet, before we know it our inboxes will be full with emails offering exclusive coupons and sales from big-box and chain retailers to motivate holiday spending. As independent jewelers, you should prepare your holiday messages in advance to differentiate your small business from the competition -- and stand out from the clutter of pre-holiday offers.