December 2008 Newsletter
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Gemstone News
Holiday 2008 |
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New At AJS Gems
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Customer Jewelry
We have gotten so many beautiful jewelry pictures from our customers that we created an Image Gallery to show them all off. Drop by and have a look, feel free to leave a comment. To have your jewelry displayed as well, please email us with your photos.
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Join Our List
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From the Editor...
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Holiday wishes from AJS Gems! For all the last-minute shoppers out there, it's not too late to place an order with AJS and get delivery before the end of the year. Browse our incredible gem selection now for a gift that's sure to brighten someone's holiday!
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Colored Stone News
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 Jewelry Trends for 2009
Beautiful gemstone jewelry is always in style… though trends in fashion and our changing lifestyles do have an impact on the type of natural gemstone pieces you see women wearing. In truth, sought-after gems like rubies, jade and sapphires never go out of fashion… investing in fine quality gems like these makes sense over the long term. No matter what the latest look… dressed up or down, minimalist or ornate, a ruby cross, a jade pendant or a sapphire bracelet are classics that look incredible no matter what’s “in” this season.
People in the gem and jewelry industry put a lot of time into identifying up-and-coming trends. At the JCK Las Vegas event in June 2008, Le Vian and InStyle magazine presented the LeVaian Red Carpet Revue 2009 — identifying the hot trends you’ll be seeing for Fall 2008/Spring 2009. Some of these include…
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Gem Industry News
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Austrian Raid Recovers $4.5 Million in Stolen Jewels, Including the "Prince of Burma" Ruby
A raid on a suspected gang of international jewel thieves has recovered an uncut ruby known as the "Prince of Burma" worth 3.2 million euros ($4.1 million), Austrian authorities said...
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AJS Customer Jewelry Spotlight
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This month's colored stone jewelry piece is from David S., who discovered us while traveling through Bangkok with his family earlier this year. They came to our office where David bought some fine gems for a jewelry set for his wife, and once single lovely blue star sapphire for himself, which was made into this ring. If you're wondering about the knife, David adds:
"Of course, feel free to use the pix in your
newsletter. BTW, the reason for the knife is that I needed something to stop the
ring from slipping about and the first thing that came to hand was my
pocket knife. For what it's worth, it's a US-made Kershaw with a
Damascus steel blade."
David S.
Thanks for sharing your ring with us David. We hope to see your wife's finished jewelry as well and look forward to your next trip to Bangkok.
We would love to feature some of the jewelry you have made using AJS gemstones. Please send us your photos and stories and we may include them in a future newsletter.
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Great Gifts
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Now Available... The Perfect Gift!
Buy someone a Gift Certificate today for a treasure that will last a lifetime.
AJS Gems Gift Certificate
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Sincerely,
Arnold, Rung, Matt, Vlad, Freddy and the Gang
AJS Gems
Email: customerservice@ajsgems.com
Phone: +662 237-8353
Fax: +662 237-8354
USA Phone: (215) 543-6360
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Colored Stone News, Cont'd
People in the gem and jewelry industry put a lot of time into identifying up-and-coming trends. At the JCK Las Vegas event in June 2008, Le Vian and InStyle magazine presented the LeVaian Red Carpet Revue 2009 — identifying the hot trends you’ll be seeing for Fall 2008/Spring 2009. Some of these include…
If you’re not walking the red carpet, other industry insiders predict the popularity of…
- Black and white designs
- Yellow gold with lapis or black onyx, accented with colored gems
- Gems with interesting inclusions, like star sapphire or cat’s eye chrysoberyl
- Fuschia gems taking the place of red ones (spinel, rubellite tourmaline, etc.)
- Statement necklaces made from large, open links.
- Pendants with oversize gemstones and multiple colors
- Broaches (thanks to First Lady To Be Michelle Obama) with richly colored stones
Another key to jewelry trends comes from the AGTA Spectrum Awards 2009 Collection, where entries were made in the Bridal Wear, Business/Day Wear, Classical, Evening Wear and Men’s Wear categories. The winners of this years competition display some of the most colorful and beautiful gemstones you’ll ever see —the best of Mother Earth and man’s efforts.
The 2009 AGTA Spectrum Awards will be presented during the AGTA GemFair in Tucson from Feb. 4 – 9, 2009 at the Tucson Convention Center. The winning entries will be on display during the show.
While very few of us have the resources to follow the whims of fashion with pieces made from genuine gemstones… if you’re patient and make careful selections of loose gems like amethysts, zircon, topaz, Tsavorite garnets and the range of beautiful tourmaline shades, you can be on your way to creating fantastic jewelry that looks great no matter what the trend in fashion.
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Gem Industry News, Cont'd
Two men and a woman were arrested in the November raid in the southern town of Villach, Austria's federal criminal investigations bureau said.
The three are suspected of stealing the ruby along with diamonds and and other gems recovered in the raid from a German jewelry dealer in Milan, Italy in August.
The dealer, identified only as a man from the German city of Idar-Oberstein, was tricked into going to Milan by the female suspect and was seriously injured by a car during the theft, investigator Gerhard Joszt said.
Police said the stolen jewels are worth an estimated 3.5 million euros (US$4.5 million) in total.
The arrests were made in a joint operation with German authorities.
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November 2008 Newsletter
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Gemstone News
November 2008 |
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New At AJS Gems
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New AJS Gems Blog!
We just unveiled a brand new feature on our website - the AJS Gems Blog. Tune in to find the latest news, information, announcements and anything else related to the fascinating world of gems and gemology.
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Join Our List
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From the Editor...
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With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it's not too early to start thinking about Christmas shopping before the rush. Buying some wonderful gifts of colored gemstones now will give you plenty of time to design and create beautiful jewelry to set your stones in and give as loving gifts for the holiday.
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Colored Stone News
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 A Woman's Suggestions For Male Jewelry Shoppers
This is a service to all the jewelry-loving women out there, whose significant other has no clue about how to choose the right jewelry for her. The holidays are almost upon us, and many men will be agonizing over just what to get. When it comes to jewelry giving, there are lots of options...an endless number of stunningly colored gemstones... different metals and accent stones... it's hard to know what to choose or where to start.
Buying the right colored gemstone piece for the woman in your life isn't hard... if you think about each of the types of jewelry you can design with her in mind...
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Gem Industry News
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 Burma Ruby Ban Takes Effect
Effective now, it is mandatory for U.S. jewelers who import and export non-Burmese rubies and jadeite to follow Phase 1 of the "Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008."
This portion of the law includes detailed requirements to import and export non-Burmese rubies and jadeite into and out of the United States, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee said. The 30-day grace period for importers and exporters who may not have met all mandatory requirements but could still import and export non-Burmese goods ended last month.
Jadeite and rubies of Burma origin have been banned from import into the US since Sept. 29...
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AJS Customer Jewelry Spotlight
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This month's item comes from The Most Reverend Thomas A., an Archbishop from New York who recently purchased an AJS Gems Amethyst and had it designed into this lovely ring.
From Rev. Thomas:
"Thought you'd like to see how the 12 + carat Amethyst made up into my bishop's ring. It is a stone with such depth you could fall into it.
The ring was designed and crafted by a jeweler in Grand Isle, N.Y. by the name of Reg Schoop whose website is http://raru.com/?src=overture.
I thank you for the quality gems that you sell at great prices.
Thanks AJS.
The Most Reverend Thomas A., Archbishop"
We are delighted to have supplied this wonderful stone for such an important ring, and are happy to be able to share it with all of you as well.
We would love to feature some of the jewelry you have made using AJS gemstones. Please send us your photos and stories and we may include them in a future newsletter.
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Great Gifts
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Now Available... The Perfect Gift!
Buy someone a Gift Certificate today for a treasure that will last a lifetime.
AJS Gems Gift Certificate
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Sincerely,
Arnold, Rung, Matt, Vlad, Freddy and the Gang
AJS Gems
Email: customerservice@ajsgems.com
Phone: +662 237-8353
Fax: +662 237-8354
USA Phone: (215) 543-6360
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Colored Stone News, Cont'd
- Pendants and necklaces are a great choice for any woman... every age, any size. No matter what type of work she does, pendants usually don't get in the way like a ring or bracelet might. There are endless styles to choose from that could feature her birthstone, a gem that's her favorite color or the exact shade of her eyes... accent this with fine diamonds and you're sure to have a gift that takes her breath away. Perfect for Mom... between sisters or for that special girl or long suffering wife.
- Earrings are a fantastic way to bring light and life to the face and are perfect for the daughter or teenage niece just starting a jewelry wardrobe... a great choice for a girlfriend when you're not ready for "the ring" and you need something that's more affordable than some other pieces of jewelry. From a pair of matched studs to something that drops and dazzles with color and diamonds, there is not a woman alive who has too many pairs of earrings.
- Bracelets can be a bit tricky... you need to be sure the woman you're shopping for has the job and lifestyle to wear them... someone who takes surgical gloves on and off all day, works with their hands or types on a computer keyboard might be bothered by these pieces. When choosing a bracelet, you also need to have an idea of size (7 or 8 inches) or the final product could be uncomfortable for her to wear. Also key... the gemstones in the bracelet need to match perfectly and be supremely durable. Bracelets do take a beating, so shop with this in mind... sturdy metals and inlaid settings work well, quality clasping mechanisms should never be overlooked.
- Rings, the tried and true setting of the jewelry world are always a favorite, and there are no limits to how many your girl may want to have.......
Ever since Princess Diana got her stunning sapphire ring from Prince Charles, women everywhere have been opting for natural colored gemstones with diamond accents as engagement rings. Of course a ring can also bear a beautiful birthstone, or another natural colored gem stone that you choose especially for her.
- Broaches are a wonderful romantic option that might be especially good for the more mature lady or career woman who has already made a start on her jewelry wardrobe. A stunning center gemstone can be accented by smaller stones or dazzling diamonds for a timeless, elegant look that instantly sets her apart. A wonderful gift for a beloved grandmother or special aunt.
Once you choose your colored gems and design your perfect jewelry gift, presenting it properly can really make the occasion memorable. You've put so much time and thought into this... make sure to give some attention to how your gift will be packaged. A beautifully wrapped box is fine, but most women will be able to guess what's inside as soon as they see it. You might try putting the jewelry box inside a gift bag with tissue, or consider one of these other unique ideas ...
- Buy a small porcelain trinket box (with matching lid) and slip your gift inside.
- Buy her favorite stuffed animal, put your gift in a velvet pouch that cinches and tie this pouch around the neck or onto the paw.
- Wrap the box your gemstone jewelry came in as beautifully as you can, then hide the wrapped package (surrounded by tissue so it doesn't move about) inside a larger box... a shirt box or the last small appliance box you have... use your imagination!
- Put the piece inside a box of fine chocolates, either in one of the empty candy compartments, or remove the inner tray that held the candy and place the jewelry, surrounded by tissue here instead.
- Enclose your tiny wrapped package along with beautiful lingerie, in a romantic gift box given in a romantic setting...
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Gem Industry News, Cont'd
Importers and exporters must use new Harmonized Tariff System codes when importing all non-Burmese rubies and jadeite and jewelry containing these gemstones into the U.S.
In addition, JVC said, importers are required to:
* Maintain full records related to purchase, manufacture and shipment of non-Burmese goods for five years;
* Provide these records to U.S. Customs authorities, if asked.
Exporters are also required to maintain and file specific records, JVC said. Exporters are required to declare upon entry that the jadeite or rubies have been subject to a system of verifiable controls from mine to first export that demonstrate that the gemstones were not extracted from Burma and that the exporters have records to prove it. This applies also to jewelry containing non-Burmese rubies and jadeite.
Phase 2 of the implementation plan will be developed over the next few months. Its purpose is to determine if further steps are needed to support additional verification of export controls and to streamline the process, JVC said.
Importers and exporters can send questions to Customs at jade.act@cbp.dhs.gov. Customs will be posting frequently asked questions on their website, www.cbp.gov. Custom's Implementation Plan, Phase 1 is available on JVC's Web site, www.jvclegal.org.
The importation ban does not apply to Burmese jadeite or rubies that are imported for personal use, meaning for personal wear by the importer, JVC said. Further, the bill does not address U.S. sales of any inventory of Burmese jadeite or rubies currently in the U.S. Jewelers can continue to sell existing inventories of Burmese jadeite and rubies already in the U.S.
-JCK
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October 2008 Newsletter
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Gemstone News
October 2008 |
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New At AJS Gems
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