Diamond Jewelry

Anna Kendrick wore Norman Silverman diamond studs

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Anna Kendrick wore Norman Silverman diamond studs to the premiere of Lionsgate’s ‘What To Expect When You’re Expecting’

Carey Mulligan Wore Neil Lane Diamond and Platinum Jewelry at Schiaparelli And prada: Impossible Converations Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:35:00 +0000

Carey Mulligan wore Neil Lane diamond and platinum stud earrings and a diamond and platinum cocktal ring at Schiaparelli And prada: Impossible Converations Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Bonhams to hold jewellery valuation day in Knokke, Belgium

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:27:42 +0000

Bonhams international auction house will be holding a jewellery valuation day at the exclusive Royal Zoute Golf Club in Knokke-Zoute, Belgium on the 21st June.

Jean Ghika, the Director of Jewellery in the UK and Europe will be giving free appraisals and comments, “Bonhams have been seeing fantastic results for jewellery sales in London. The market is strong, with international clients looking for key pieces to add to their collections. We would like to give the opportunity for people based in Flanders to participate in a valuation day without having to travel to Brussels, and we look forward to seeing the jewellery brought to us on the day.”

Over the past year, the jewellery department has achieved outstanding results. In September 2011 a Bulgari Diamond and Blue Diamond crossover ring realised £1.9 million (2.4 million). Other top results include a Diamond single stone ring that sold for £623,650 (777,000) and a sapphire and in the last sale on the 25th April, a diamond Fuschia brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels sold for £181,250 (226,000).

Please contact the Brussels office to book a valuation appointment on 02/736.5076 or email: belgium@bonhams.com.

Civil Society, Business Groups Call on Congress to Support Incorporation Transparency, Ban Anonymous U.S. Shell Companies

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:16:54 +0000

Today, 41 business and civil society groups sent a letter to every member of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate urging them to co-sponsor the Incorporation Transparency and Law Enforcement Assistance Act (S. 1483/ H.R. 3416). This bipartisan bill, which is endorsed by the Obama Administration, would require companies to disclose their ultimate owners at the time of incorporation, making it much harder for corrupt politicians, tax dodgers, terrorists and other criminals to form and hide behind anonymous U.S. shell companies.

The signatories1, who include, among others, American Sustainable Business Council, Calvert Investments, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Citizens for Tax Justice, Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition, CtW Investment Group, Domini Social Investments LLC, Friends of the Earth – US, Global Financial Integrity, Global Witness, Human Rights Watch, Jubilee USA Netwo rk, Main Street Alliance, Oxfam America, Project On Government Oversight, Revenue Watch Institute, Sunlight Foundation and U.S. Public Interest Research Group, are concerned that it is legal to form companies in the United States with hidden ownership.

The letter states:

Increased corporate transparency would curb corruption and tax evasion, promote an equitable market economy, reduce the opacity of corporate campaign contributions, help ensure a fair and level playing field for small- and medium-sized businesses, foster global development and enhance national security…

Investigations continue to reveal that American and foreign terrorists, narco-traffickers, arms dealers, corrupt foreign officials, tax evaders, individuals targeted for financial sanctions and other criminals easily and regularly set up U.S. shell companies, without providing any information about who owns or controls such companies…This enables criminals to disguise their identities behi nd the anonymity provided to U.S. corporations and launder dirty money through the U.S. financial system.

The full letter can be read here.

Corporate secrecy fundamentally undermines U.S. laws to combat money laundering and tax evasion, as well as U.S. efforts to tackle global corruption. A recent World Bank report found that the U.S. was a favorite destination of corrupt politicians trying to set up shell companies to access the financial system. Once corrupt and other illicit funds have been moved through an anonymous corporate vehicle into the financial system, it is much harder to track them down. Shining a light on the ultimate owners of companies, would make it easier for law enforcement to do its job. To date, eight law enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, have endorsed the legislation.

The Obama Ad ministration also views corporate secrecy as a threat to national security. Through the U.S. Open Government Partnership Action Plan and the Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime, the Administration has committed to work with Congress and advocate for legislation that would require meaningful disclosure of the ultimate (beneficial) ownership information of companies at the time they are set up.

“The President’s commitment to transparency must extend to working with Congress to prioritize ending hidden company ownership in the U.S.,” said Stefanie Ostfeld, Global Witness policy advisor. “The U.S. can no longer allow foreign corrupt dictators and other criminals to disguise their identities behind American shell companies in order to launder dirty money through the U.S. financial system.”

“Anonymous shell companies make the U.S. financial system a playground for both foreign and domestic corrupt, cr iminal, and tax evading money,” added Tom Cardamone, managing directo r at Global Financial Integrity. “It is absolutely critical from a law enforcement, national security and governance perspective that we enact this piece of legislation.”

“It’s important that the U.S. government demonstrate leadership when it comes to dealing with financial secrecy,” commented Nicole Tichon, founding member of the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition. “As we seek cooperation from foreign jurisdictions in cracking down on terrorist financing, money laundering and tax evasion, we must ensure that the U.S. is not facilitating financial crime in our own backyard.”

Source: Global Witness

Try on the Giants Tiffany Diamond Super Bowl Ring – Virtually!

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:10:20 +0000

To celebrate the unveiling of their Super Bowl XLVI championship ring, the New York Giants are inviting fans to share in the moment. Big Blue die-hards around the world will be able to virtually “try on” and take photos with the newly revealed Tiffany & Co.-designed ring, as well as each of the team’s three previous Super Bowl rings, using the free GoldRun mobile application. Participants will also be able to pose with the coveted Lombardi Trophy.

An instructional video can be viewed by visiting the following link: http://www.giants.com/virtualring.>

The Giants are the first National Football League team to use Augmented Reality technology and the only team among the major U.S. sports leagues to allow their fans to virtually wear championship jewelry using this technology.

“Giants fans are the best fans in the world and a tremendous part of our succe ss,” said Giants Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Stevens. “We’re always striving to become pioneers in social media and to find new and interesting ways to engage our fans. What a cool way of allowing all Big Blue fans – whether they’re local or abroad – to experience this special moment.”

In addition, anyone who snaps and shares their photos to Facebook, Twitter or by Email can instantly purchase limited-edition Tiffany & Co. Super Bowl XVLI commemoratives, including New York Giants’ logo cuff links and a set of crystal Riedel tumblers, through their mobile device.

The Giants will display some of the best fan photos on Giants.com and Facebook.com/NewYorkGiants.

The virtual ring reveal was produced in partnership with GoldRun, industry leaders in the AR marketing space. “McConkey, Bavaro, Simms, LT … I grew up acting out their highlights,” says GoldRun co-founder, S hai Rao. “What we always aimed to do with GoldRun was help make fans and devotees part of the story –

that is what we are doing here. All Giants fans are champs toda.”

How to Participate

• Download the GoldRun app for iOS or Android.

• After downloading the app to your mobile device, log in using Facebook connect or Twitter.

• Click on the New York Giants featured image, click the camera icon on the Featured Screen.

• Once in the camera view, snap away.

• You can share your pictures directly from the app.

About GoldRun

GoldRun is a photo-driven Ad platform that transforms traditional digital media placements into GPS-linked virtual photo booths. Users share their branded AR photos and accompanying text on social networks to earn immediate rewards, such as discounts, instant wins, and the ability to purchase products. GoldRun leverages the massive volume of social network image posts to create fully-integrated ad units woven into social network user flow, boosting viral impact, transforming fans into brand ambassadors, and driving transactions and media views.

Kelly Osbourne wore a Anthony Franco Dress and Vanessa Leu Ring

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:22:00 +0000

Kelly Osbourne wore a Anthony Franco dress and a Vanessa Leu ring to Britweek’s 2012 Gala Hosted By Piers Morgan Benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Montblanc Presents THE 24 HOUR PLAYS: Los Angeles

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:14:57 +0000

Montblanc and Urban Arts Partnership announced today the highly anticipated return of THE 24 HOUR PLAYS BENEFIT, now in its second year in Los Angeles, on Saturday June 16, 2012.

The biggest names in Hollywood will join forces to participate in this one-night-only live performance, produced by Kevin Chinoy and Francesca Silvestri of the Freestyle Picture Company and the 24 Hour Company. The entire creative process, from writing to directing and finally performance, will take place in under 24 hours!

Former participants of the “Plays” include Jennifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher, Megan Fox, Demi Moore, Chris Rock, Brooke Shields, Sarah Silverman and Elijah Wood. Montblanc and Urban Arts Partnership are pleased to announce this year’s event will feature: Sasha Alexander (Rizzoli & Isles, NCIS), Jason Biggs (American Pie series, Mad Love), Josh Dallas (Once Upon a Time, Thor), Brooklyn Decker (Just Go With It), Ginnifer Goodwin (Once Upon a Time, Something Borrowed), Ashley Greene (Twilight), Zachary Levi (Chuck, Tangled), Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games, Race to Witch Mountain), Lamorne Morris (New Girl, The Guild), Diane Neal (Law and Order: SVU), Rosie Perez (Gods Behaving Badly, Pineapple Express), Jason Ritter (Parenthood, The Event), Krysten Ritter (Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, Breaking Bad), Ramon Rodriguez (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Battle Los Angeles) Tracie Thoms (Cold Case, Rent), and Wilmer Valderrama (Awake, That ’70s Show).

“I’m looking forward to making my stage debut with 24 Hours, doing it for a charitable cause is icing on the cake,” said Ashley Greene.

The creative process of THE 24 HOUR PLAYS in Los Angeles will begin at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, June 15th. Six writers, six directors, twenty-four actors, a musical guest and production team will meet at The Broad Stage, Santa Monica (1310 11th Street, Santa Monica CA). Each cast member will brainstorm ideas before the writers begin composing the plays, which must be co mpleted by 6:00 a.m. the next morning. With only twelve hours to rehearse, the actors will perform the six new plays, interspersed with musical acts, for one night only before a live audience, on Saturday June 16, 2012.

This is the sixth year that Montblanc, the international luxury brand, will support THE 24 HOUR PLAYS BENEFITS FOR URBAN ARTS PARTNERSHIP, demonstrating their continued support of Arts and Culture, especially among young people. Over the years, Montblanc has helped to raise over 2 million dollars for Urban Arts Partnership. Joining forces with the program’s supporting company, Urban Arts Partnership, this celebration of theater will offer Los Angeles’ audience a rare experience; witnessing the thrill of live theater and the talents of Hollywood’s brightest stars.

The proceeds from the event will benefit Urban Arts Partnership, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the intellectual, social and artistic development of underserved p ublic school students through arts-integrated education programs to close the achievement gap, and the implementation of transformative programs in “high need” LAUSD partner schools, ArTES High School, Teresa Hughes Elementary, East LA Performing Arts Academy High School, Bancroft Middle School and Southeast Middle School.

Swiss luxury goods group Richemont’s Jewellery Maisons’ sales grow 32%

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:53:16 +0000

Richemont, the Swiss luxury goods group says its Jewellery Maisons’ sales grew by 32 %. Both Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels performed exceptionally well.

Both Maisons reported high growth across products and channels. Demand for High Jewellery pieces was solid and more accessible jewellery ranges enjoyed very strong demand. Cartier’s watch collections, including premium and technical pieces, were equally successful.

The significant increase in sales and continuing cost discipline generated an operating margin of 33 %.

“We are pleased to report that Richemont has achieved strong sales growth across all segments and all geographic regions, despite a volatile and diverse economic environment. The Group’s Jewellery Maisons and its Specialist Watchmakers have reported record sales and profits, despite the strength of the Swiss franc and the rising cost of precious ma terials and input costs. Montblanc continued to grow and reported increased profits. Richemont’s Fashion and Accessories Maisons also performed well. Net-a-Porter continues to enjoy sales growth above the Group average, while at the same time investing in structural expansion,” says Johann Rupert, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“Although sales in the month of April were 29 % above the comparative period, or 20 % at constant exchange rates, we are mindful of the unstable economic environment, particularly in the euro zone. The enduring appeal and the development potential of each of our Maisons lead us to focus our investment on the Group’s organic growth. Investments are primarily dedicated to the expansion and integration of the Maisons’ respective manufacturing facilities, as we ll as growth in their retail networks. Selective boutique openings wi ll be focused in growth markets and in tourist destinations around the world. Our Maisons remain entrepreneurial and innovative businesses at heart. More than ever, we are convinced of their resilience and long-term prospects. We therefore look forward to the future with cautious optimism,” says Rupert.

Diamond dealers may use their inventory as collateral for quick cash loans to finance buying opportunities

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:46:00 +0000

OWL Financial Group LLC is pleased to announce the launch of their private lending business, specializing in the diamond and jewelry industry.

OWL offers short-term collateral backed funding, based solely on the value of the collateral pledged. Specializing in large loans to the diamond industry, both small and large cash loans can be made available in as little as one day.

As bank lending has dried up, OWL enables members of the diamond and jewelry industries to use their inventory as collateral for quick cash loans without a credit check or personal guarantee. OWL’s Interest rates are considerably lower than most pawn lenders and its terms are quite flexible.

Collateral loans are being used not only to get out of debt, but to take advantage of special buying opportunities. The principals of OWL, who are diamond industry veterans, understand the need for immediate cash to take advantage of a deal that’s too good to pass up. When cash is tight, a quick cash collateral loan turns a possibility into a handshake and a fast profit.

Discreet, confidential and private, OWL conducts its business in a state of the art secure suite of offices in New York City. For additional information, call 212- 319-1250 or visit us at: www.owlfinancialgroup.com

UN refugee chief alarmed at fresh displacement from clashes in Diamond Rich DR Congo

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:27:59 +0000

The top United Nations refugee official has voiced his alarm at new inflows of refugees into Rwanda and Uganda, fleeing fighting in eastern diamond rich Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

More than 8,200 refugees have crossed from DRC into Rwanda since 27 April, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These are in addition to the 55,000 Congolese refugees that Rwanda is already hosting.

“The displacement level we see in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is already disastrous,” said High Commissioner António Guterres. “Conflict there coupled with very limited access for humanitarian workers means that many thousands of people are without protection and help. And now people in need are appearing in neighbouring countries too.”

Government officials told UNHCR that 30,000 refugees have arrived in Uganda this month. Prior to this, Uganda was already host to 175,127 refugees, including 97,424 from DRC.

Fighting has resumed in eastern DRC in recent weeks between Government forces, dissident groups and militia, causing suffering for civilians who are experiencing displacement, human rights violations, and loss of property.

The situation has worsened in recent months, UNHCR noted, amid recent fighting between DRC forces and soldiers loyal to former rebel commander Bosco Ntaganda, who has been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes committed against civilians in eastern DRC.

Since November 2011, when presidential and parliamentary elections were held, an estimated 300,000 people have been newly displaced, according to UNHCR. This brings to more than two million the number of people displaced nationwide in the DRC.