• Israeli firms see shining opportunities in China. Members of Israel’s diamond community see China as the most exciting market in Asia, and many are capitalising on their manufacturing strengths, resources and strong customer orientation to jockey for position in an increasingly tough but potentially lucrative market.

 

• Multi-channel retailer finds niche in coloured gems. A trendsetter in the home-shopping jewellery retailing space, UK-based The Genuine Gemstone Company (TGGC) has proven that “glamour with a conscience” pays off. In 2012, the multi-channel retailer behind the 24-hour jewellery shopping shows Gems TV in Britain and Rocks TV in the US was named the No. 1 fast-growing private company in the UK in terms of sales by network events company Fast Track. Fast Track 100, which lists Britain’s 100 private companies with the fastest-growing sales over the latest three years, is published in The Sunday Times each December. 

 

• Jewellery consumption to bolster demand for tanzanite. What do Chopard, Cartier, Boodles and Wallace Chan have in common? They have all used tanzanite as a medium for some of their finest jewellery creations. “The  key fashion trend of rich gemstones this year makes tanzanite highly desirable. Colour is the new black and tanzanite’s accessible pricing makes it possible to have a big look in vibrant blue, which is very attractive to designers,” said Linda Kennedy, marketing manager of TanzaniteOne Ltd.

 

• The five virtues of Australian South Sea pearls.
For decades, Paspaley Pearling Company has been recognised worldwide as the producer of the finest Australian South Sea pearls. Paspaley is also the originator of a rigorous grading system that ensures only the most beautiful pearls are offered for sale, and that pearls are always consistent in quality.