Sunday, February 24, 2008

Jade Jagger






Astley Clarke is proud to introduce Jade Jagger’s jewellery line for spring 2008.A designer who needs little introduction, Jade has created a uniquely bohemian collection of contemporary jewellery which is characterized by the colliding worlds she inhabits. Jade’s childhood coincided with the halcyon days of the pop art scene in New York. Andy Warhol’s ‘The Factory’ inspired and nurtured Jade’s talent for painting. It was this early influence, which shaped Jade’s career as an artist.Jade’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to apply her decorative, bohemian style to one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces and in September 1997, Jade Inc. was born. Jade Jagger has since carved a feted reputation as an artist, creative director and visionary jeweller.This exciting new collection of designer jewellery features Jade's signature 'Kiss' designs in 18ct gold vermeil and sterling silver.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

China now world's 2nd largest gold jewellery consumer, surpassing U.S.

China surpassed the United States to become the world's second largest market for gold jewellery, according to statistics released on Tuesday by the World Gold Council (WGC).The latest WGC statistics showed that sales of gold jewellery reached a record high of 302.2 tons, up by 34 percent and second only to India.

"2007 was a year of great momentum for the world gold market where China had played a significant role," said Philip Olden, WGC chief marketing officer. In 2007, the demand for gold in the United Stated saw a 14 percent year-on-year drop and gold market in Italy and Britain also slumped.

In the last quarter of 2007, China saw a 20 percent year-on-year growth in gold jewellery sales. WGC officials also said that China's consumers now had various choices of the jewellery articles as the country's gold market remained prosperous.

In January, China's gold futures made a strong debut on the Shanghai Futures Exchange as international gold prices had repeatedly hit new highs.Global gold prices jumped more than 30 percent last year, the biggest increase since 1979. WGC, based in London, is a marketing organization promoting gold trading around the world.

Dazzling Designer's Jewellery Featured At IA Salon

IA Salon is currently showcasing its marvellous collection of jewellery at its outlet in The Mall, Gadong.
The unique collection of pieces, embossed with semiprecious stones and Swarovzski crystals, include earrings, necklaces, pendants and brooches, designed by renowned jewellery designer Winston Leong.
"During my travel, I selected a few pieces of fine jewellery and distinctive pieces by Winston Leong that I wished to share with my customers," said Cecilia of IA Salon.
She also hoped her customers "will appreciate the fine collection as much as I did while selecting them. These pieces, which are available for purchase at the salon, will enhance the attires for special occasions".
Meanwhile, IA Salon is set to host a presentation by well known hairstylist Raymond Choon of Malaysia in March.
Choon, a sought-after hair expert, owns a salon in Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur.
He has also appeared in a number of Malaysian fashion magazines; making him a household name among the country's rich and famous.
IA Salon is currently recruiting models for Choon's upcoming presentation.
Interested individuals are urged to submit their profiles and photos to the salon at The Mall.

New Jade Jagger`s Jewellery Collection




Jade has created the collection from her childhood memories: growing up in the halcyon days of the New York pop art scene. Andy Warhol`s “The Factory” has inspired and cherished her talent for painting.


It is this early influence that has shaped Jade`s career as an artist. Her entrepreneurship led her to apply her decorative bohemian style to unique jewellery pieces and Jade Inc. was formed in September 1997. Jade Jagger has gained a reputation as an artist, creative director and jewellery design visionary.

This exciting new jewellery collection includes Jade`s recognisable Kiss designs in gold vermeil and sterling silver. These lips are reminiscent of her dad, the famous Rolling Stone.


Jade`s new collection will be a welcome twist in classic jewellery, Beauty and the Dirt writes.





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World's 3rd Largest Jewellery Fair Celebrates Silver JubileeSpotlight on Jewellery Parades and Design Competitions

February 19, 2008 - The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, the 3rd largest of its kind in the world, will be held March 4-8 at Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Close to 2,300 exhibitors from 46 countries and regions will showcase all kinds of dazzling jewellery items at the trade fair.
Lawrence Ma, Chairman of Fair Organising Committee, said a wide range of activities will be launched to expand the fair's portfolio and celebrate its silver jubilee. He said these initiatives will also strengthen Hong Kong's status as the world's major jewellery sourcing centre.


"More than 20 special events, including seminars, jewellery parades, networking cocktails and a gala evening will be held during the fair period, providing a platform for participants to establish business contacts and exchange market information," said Mr Ma.


He added: "The jewellery parades will display dozens of chic jewellery products made with jade, gemstones, diamond or gold, as well as jewellery watches, antique items and the latest collections from internationally-acclaimed designers."
"Heavy-weight speakers such as renowned designer Lo Kai Yin and representative from the World Gold Council will share the secrets of design, provide updates on the pearl and gold industry as well as the Middle East market in a series of seminars."


Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), organiser of Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, will set up seven special zones at the fair, including Treasures of Nature, displaying exquisite loose jewellery items such as diamonds, pearls, and gemstones; Le Salon Extraordinaire, a world of fine pearls and gems; as well as Jade Jewellery Section, Antique & Vintage Jewellery Section, Designer Jewellery Galleria and Watch & Clock Pavilion. Les Salons Privms will launch a new diamond jewellery section this year, allowing exhibitors and buyers to seal business deals in a private setting.


The Show will encompass 14 group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Dubai, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United States.


Major jewellery associations from around the world will also be present at the show, including the International Coloured Gemstone Association, the Platinum Guild International, Antwerp World Diamond Centre, Israel Diamond Institute, as well as Japan Pearl Exporters' Association, Japan Jewellery Association, Japan Jewellery Designers Association and Japan Yamanashi Crystal Jewelery Association.


In addition, three world-class jewellery auctions will be held concurrently at the HKCEC, offering a one-stop shop to satisfy different sourcing needs. Pearl auctions will be held by Paspaley (March 2-4) and Robert Wan Tahiti (March 5-6), while Russia's largest diamond miner, Alrosa (March 4-5) will host a diamond auction for invited buyers.


Also speaking at the press conference, Charles Chan, Chairman of HKTDC's Jewellery Advisory Committee said Jewellery exports grew by 17% to HK$33.8billion (US$4.3billion) in 2007, with the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland topping the major markets list. There was significant growth experienced in emerging markets, for example, Russia with 177%, South Africa 61%, India 45%, Greece 40% and the United Arab Emirates at 39%.
Hong Kong is the 4th largest fine jewellery exporter in the world. Mr Chan said: "The growth potential of emerging markets is enormous. We are expecting moderate growth for jewellery exports this year, driven by a huge demand from the Middle East, Russia and India."


The fair is jointly organised by Hong Kong Jewellers' & Goldsmiths' Association, Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers' Association and Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China. Co-organisers are Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd.


HKTDC announced the results of the 9th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition today at the press conference. This year, more than 400 contestants competed in two groups, the Student Group and the Open Group, under the theme of "Colour of the World". Open Group winners will receive cash prizes and sponsorship for a short design course at the Hiko Mizuno College of Jewellery in Japan.
The winning pieces of this competition, the Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition 2008 and the JJA Jewellery Design Awards 2007 will be on display at Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, promoting the latest designs to international buyers.

Security is an all-time priority of the fair, with no exception this year. The fair organiser is working closely with the Hong Kong Police Force and a briefing session will be held before the Show providing anti-theft tips for exhibitors.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Gold and Gems in Greece 1400 BC

In ancient Greece, beads shaped as natural forms like shells, flowers and beetles were manufactured on a large scale. Beautiful and delicate necklaces and earrings were found in burial sites in Northern Greece. By 300 BC the Greeks were making multi coloured jewellery and used emeralds, garnets, amethysts and pearls. Right - Greek earrings.



They also used coloured stones, glass and enamel. Carved cameos of Indian Sardonyx (a striped brown pink and cream agate stone) along with filigree gold work were widely made. Beads were made by joining two flat pieces of gold and filling them with sand.

Gold in Egypt 3000 BC

In the ancient world gold was the preferred metal for making jewellery. It was rare, did not tarnish and best of all it was malleable, so it could be worked fairly easily.
Magnificent bracelets, pendants, necklaces, rings, armlets, earrings, diadems, head ornaments, pectoral ornaments and collars of gold were all produced in ancient Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs.


Gold funeral mask of King Tutankhamun.

Excavations by Howard Carter in 1922 led to the great discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb and many gold funerary artefacts, all showing the art work of ancient Egypt.

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