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CaratLane Opens Second Store In Bengaluru

18 solitaire INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2017

CaratLane, a Tanishq partnership, India’s leading omni-channel jeweller has opened its second store in Bengaluru, at Koramangala. On a mission to democratise access to jewellery, this is CaratLane’s 14th store launch in the country in a bid to expand its retail footprint.

“We are extremely proud to launch our store in Koramangala. Like all our other stores, we’ve created distinctive warmth and cosy interiors to bring alive a unique shopping experience that encourages ‘browsing’, similar to shopping on a website, and is equipped with

several touch screens and tablets. Spread across 1000 sq ft, the store also houses a dedicated Solitaire Lounge. Our store here is a testament to our commitment to make modern, affordable jewellery increasingly accessible,” informed Mithun Sacheti, founder and CEO, CaratLane.

“We believe that jewellery should be for everyone and not for a select few. Through our StreamLane™ system, we eliminate inefficiencies from the supply chain, resulting in savings of up to 25% over traditional retailers that we pass on to our customers,” Sacheti further added.

ICEX To Commence Diamond Futures Contracts Trading In March

Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX), a screen-based online derivatives exchange for commodities, has received “in-principle” approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for commencement of trading in Diamond Futures Contracts.

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SEBI’s ‘in-principle’ permission comes after Government of India notified diamond as a commodity for derivatives trading on September 28th 2016 thus paving the way for contract in diamonds futures trading.

ICEX plans to launch three contracts – 30 cents, 50 cents, and 1 carat – as part of its strategy. The exchange has initiated discussions with clearing banks, vaulting companies and grading agencies as part of its preparation to launch the contracts once it starts operations. ICEX plans to commence operations in March 2017, subject to regulatory approvals.

“The ICEX diamond futures contract will enhance global competitiveness of Indian exporters who will be able to create inventory and hedge against price volatility, which will improve price competitiveness. ICEX is well equipped with strong tools to provide strong competitive advantage through this contract,” said Sanjit Prasad, MD & CEO, ICEX.

Reliance Capital, a part of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, is the largest investor in ICEX, along with wider and more diverse set of shareholders.

Rio Tinto Names Dhamani Select Atelier For Argyle PinksThe DPINK Solitaire necklace by Dhamani features a total of 1.81 carats of Argyle pink diamonds including a 0.52-carat fancy intense purple pink, oval-shaped diamond, a 0.40-carat fancy intense pink heart, and a 0.40-carat fancy intense pink, pear-shaped diamond.Dhamani’s DPINK Solitaire ring showcases a 2.17-carat emerald-shaped, fancy intense purple pink Argyle diamond surrounded by another 0.30 carat of Argyle pink diamonds.

Rio Tinto welcomed Middle East luxury jeweller Dhamani as a Select Atelier for Argyle Pink Diamonds. Dhamani joins an exclusive group of master craftsmen and luxury jewellers with access to a direct supply of Australia’s

rare Argyle pink diamonds, entrusted with transforming Argyle pink diamonds into exquisite jewellery.

Argyle Pink Diamonds’ manager Josephine Johnson said, “Dhamani are an exciting Middle East luxury jeweller with over four decades of heritage and superb craftsmanship. The DPINK Collection is a glittering tribute to the beauty of Argyle’s pink diamonds and a powerful statement of Dhamani’s world-class luxury. We are delighted to welcome

them as an Argyle Pink Diamonds Select Atelier.”

Established in 1969, Dhamani is a second-generation family business with a passion for rare diamonds and heirloom pieces of jewellery. Dhamani chief executive officer and managing director Amit Dhamani said, “Since 1969, our family has been tirelessly devoted to working with the world’s rarest diamonds. Our new relationship

with Argyle Pink Diamonds is a wonderful honour and showcases our commitment to working with the finest partners to support our prized client base of international jewellery connoisseurs.”

The official launch of Dhamani as an Argyle Pink Diamonds Select Atelier occurred against the backdrop of the Dubai Shopping Festival with the DPINK collection showcasing more than $25 million of Argyle pink diamond jewellery.

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20 solitaire INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2017

Nitin Khandelwal Is The New GJF Chairman

The All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), a national trade federation for the promotion and growth of trade in gems and jewellery across India, has appointed Nitin Khandelwal as chairman and Pramod Agarwal as vice chairman for a period of two years. The list of other directors of GJF has been uploaded on its website.

Khandelwal of Khandelwal Jewellers (Akola) Pvt. Ltd. has been closely associated with the GJF since its inception.

Over the years, he has successfully conceptualised and executed innovative programmes for the benefit of the industry. On his appointment, the newly elected chairman said, “I am indeed honoured by the opportunity given to me to lead the industry’s apex body, which is one of the most prestigious organisations in the industry. Given this great responsibility of helming the affairs at GJF, I am committed to further the growth of this organisation with the help of the newly elected zonal heads and committee of administration of GJF. I believe that the industry must remain united to achieve greater prominence and growth for the gems and jewellery sector.”

Pramod Agarwal of Derewala Jewellery Industries Ltd. commented, “It is my proud privilege to work for the growth of this pivotal trade organisation and contribute my vision for the development of its member jewellers across regions.”

The e-voting also elected 18 committee members including zonal chairmen Shankar Sen (east zone), Vijay Khanna (north zone), N. Anantha Padmanaban (south zone) and Nitin Khandelwal (west zone).

Nitin Khandelwal Pramod Agarwal

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22 solitaire INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2017

HK Twin Shows To Host 4,380 Exhibitors

wo of the jewellery industry’s leading trade fairs are set to open in Hong Kong in late February and early March. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 4th Hong Kong International

Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show will take place from February 28 to March 4 at the Asia World-Expo, while the 34th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will be held from March 2-6 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Hong Kong accounts for 3.2% of the world’s trade and is the eighth-largest trading economy.

Rajesh Bhagat, India consultant for HKTDC, underscored the robust bilateral trade relations between Hong Kong and India at a recent press conference in Mumbai, and added that the twin jewellery shows are a good platform to boost business. “India and Hong Kong have a long and close business relationship. While India will continue to take the lead in regional economic growth, the HKTDC can act as an information and market intelligence hub for Indian enterprises to expand their markets,” said Bhagat.

India is today the largest exporter of pearls, precious and semi-precious stones to Hong Kong and is the second-largest exporter of fine jewellery to Hong Kong.

This year, the two shows will welcome more than 4,380 exhibitors from over 50 countries and regions, forming the world’s largest jewellery marketplace. About 180 Indian companies

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including Beads Paradise and Gold Star will exhibit their products at the show. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) from India will also set up a pavilion. Other country pavilions include the Chinese mainland, Japan, Korea, Tanzania, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the US, Peru, Colombia and Brazil.

The Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show will focus on jewellery raw materials such as loose diamonds, precious stones, semi-precious stones and pearls. Well-known exhibitors include Paul Wild from Germany and Hong Kong’s Novel Collection Ltd., Man Sang Jewellery (Hong Kong) Ltd. and Yee On Gems

& Jewellery Factory Company Ltd. Several dedicated zones are set up for specific jewellery raw materials, including Hall of Fine Diamonds for quality diamonds; Treasures of Nature for precious gemstones; Treasures of Ocean for exquisite pearls; and Rough Stones & Minerals zone for unpolished and uncut precious stones.

The Jewellery Show will feature a wide range of finished fine jewellery. The prominent Hall of Fame will showcase more than 30 internationally acclaimed jewellery brands including Roberto Coin s.p.a. and Piero Milano Jewellery from Italy, Pranda Jewelry Public Co. Ltd. from Thailand, and Hong Kong’s Lady Heart Collections Ltd. and Unrounds (HK) Ltd. The Hall of Extraordinary will house prestigious jewellery companies such as Crivelli s.r.l. from Italy, Thomas Faerber SA from Switzerland, and Hong Kong’s Dehres, On Tung Company and Karen Suen Fine Jewellery Ltd. Other zones will showcase various prestigious collections, jewellery craftsmanship, jade pieces, decorative items and machinery.

The biannual International Jewellery Design Excellence Award (IJDE) gathers the champions of various jewellery design competitions worldwide to run for the champion of the champions. This year, 165 entries from 27 countries and regions have been received, of which 13 entries are from India. The award presentation ceremony will be held on the first day of the jewellery show (March 2) and winning entries will be on display at the event.

HKTDC Hall of Extraordinary.

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China’s Gangtai Group To Acquire BuccellatiClessidra and the Buccellati family sold an 85% stake of Buccellati Holding Italia (Buccellati) to the Chinese conglomerate Gangtai Group, retaining only a 15% stake in the revered jewellery company.

Founded in Milan in 1919, Buccellati is one of the most prestigious Italian jewellers with a wide international presence especially in Europe and the US with both direct stores and distribution agreements.

In 2013, Clessidra acquired a 67% stake in Buccellati with the remaining 33% retained by the founding family. During the investment period, Clessidra and the family have made significant investments to further boost the image of the brand, expand its distribution network, support the product offering and strengthen the management structure.

Marco Carotenuto, managing director of Clessidra, said: “We are particularly satisfied with the agreement reached with the Gangtai Group. We have strongly supported Buccellati in the last three years achieving a 60% growth in revenues since acquisition. We believe that the company is now ready for a new growth cycle that Gangtai Group will support, considering also its experience in the jewellery market and its strong presence in China.”

Andrea Buccellati, chairman of Buccellati, added, “Our family founded this company almost 100 years ago and will continue to be fully involved to support its development, the creative mastery and production craftsmanship that enabled the establishment of a unique and recognisable style in jewellery and silverware. We welcome the commitment of the Gangtai Group to invest significant resources to further develop the Buccellati brand and platform.”

The transaction is expected to close by the second quarter of 2017 and is subject to Chinese government approvals. Post closing, Andrea Buccellati will retain his role as creative director and honorary chairman of Buccellati. Gianluca Brozzetti will retain his role as CEO of Buccellati. Other members of the Buccellati family will also retain their involvement in the business.

24 solitaire INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2017

JK Diamonds Institute Organises Factory Visit At HK Jewels

JK Diamonds Institute of Gems & Jewelry organised a jewellery factory visit for its students in association with

HK Jewels, a flagship company of Hare Krishna Exports, a renowned organisation in the diamond and jewellery industry. The visit took place at one of the manufacturing facilities of HK Jewels located at SEEPZ, Andheri, Mumbai.

Hare Krishna Exports is said to have an annual turnover of over I6,000 crore and over 5,500 employees. It is famous for its employee benefit schemes. A DTC sightholder, HK is famously known for its Kisna jewellery brand. My Diamond Story is yet another bridal engagement collection.

Over 50 students, currently pursuing various courses at JK Diamonds Institute, participated in the jewellery factory visit. The students got hands-on knowledge about the jewellery production process.

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Italian Exhibition Group Gets UN Accreditation For Promoting CSR

26 solitaire INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2017

(From left) IEG vice president Matteo Marzotto, CIBJO president Gaetano Cavalieri, and IEG director general Corrado Facco.

formal accreditation through CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, from ECOSOC, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, for promoting and implementing activities relating to corporate social responsibility (CSR) along the jewellery and precious metal and gemstone supply chain.

Representing the IEG at the meetings with senior United Nations officials at the organisation’s headquarters in New York, together with CIBJO president Gaetano Cavalieri, were IEG’s vice executive president Matteo Marzotto and managing director Corrado Facco.

IEG’s accreditation at ECOSOC is primarily expressed through activities conducted at Vicenzaoro, among the world’s leading gold and jewellery shows, which have been steadfastly committed to disseminating the values and practices of CSR within the international jewellery industry for several years already, and has also become an authoritative and recognised interlocutor on a global scale.

Matteo Marzotto commented, “We feel highly honoured by this recognition, which represents further confirmation of the status that our group and Vicenzaoro has achieved, thanks in particular to the fruitful collaboration with CIBJO, in spreading the culture of CSR, with its social and economic implications, along the entire supply chain. As a contemporary provider of exhibition services and content, we are constantly engaged in creating value for our stakeholders, a task that, nowadays, cannot help but pay considerable attention to sustainability and responsibility. CSR is a fundamental asset for the jewellery sector too, not only representing the right ethical direction that should be followed by companies, but also as a conscious and strategic strategy for generating consumer loyalty.”

The Italian Exhibition Group spa (IEG), the new trade show company created through the merger between Rimini Fiera and Fiera di Vicenza, received prestigious international recognition in New York, when it was awarded

GIA Mumbai Offers Jewellery Design CourseThe Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will offer its internationally recognised Jewelry Design (JD) Certificate in Mumbai beginning February 16. The course gives students the skills to translate their ideas into a piece of jewellery.

The extensive nine-week JD course helps students understand jewellery design concepts and acquire a working knowledge of jewellery artistry. Taught by experienced instructors, students learn the art of conceptualising and rendering jewellery designs by combining technical and practical skills.

Students develop the skills to illustrate the shape, form and texture of metal; render faceted gems, cabochons and pearls; and apply traditional drafting techniques to design jewellery. Students finish the course with a portfolio of designs that showcases their work for potential employers, and gain enhanced skills to build their collections and the confidence to enter the jewellery industry’s creative domain.

The JD Certificate is ideal for students pursuing a career in jewellery design, and for manufacturers and other individuals entering the gem and jewellery industry.

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WDM Awards UK’s F. Hinds Authorised Diamond Dealer Status

28 solitaire INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2017

Alex Popov (left) and Andrew Hinds at the signing of the WDM ADD membership agreement.

F. Hinds, established in 1856 and the leading British family-owned retail jewellery chain, joined the World Diamond Mark (WDM) Authorised Diamond Dealer programme in January. With 118 stores in the United Kingdom, F. Hinds is the first British retailer to join the WDM and carry the WDM Authorised Diamond Dealer seal in all its stores.

“Taking on the WDM Authorised Diamond Dealer is a logical step for our firm,” said Andrew Hinds, director. “We are continuously looking to improve our reach, services and sales to the consumer public and the WDM’s mission to rekindle consumer desire for diamonds, and the consumer campaign and service programmes it is developing are completely in sync with our company’s objectives.”

Andrew Hinds is the most recent past-chairman of the UK trade association the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and, as a qualified gemmologist, is responsible for buying F. Hinds’ diamond jewellery. Andrew personally hand-selects all the diamonds for the group’s certified solitaires.

Thanking Hinds for his vision and resolve, WDM chairman Alex Popov, noted, “The WDM could not have found a better retailer to become the first accredited WDM Authorised Diamond Dealer in the UK. F. Hinds’ reputation is immaculate, and we are honoured to have the firm, with all of its 118 branches, on board with us. This milestone comes just before we launch the WDM’s first consumer-oriented campaign ‘Part of You’ on www.passion.diamonds.”

Kalyan Jewellers To Pump In J500 Crore In Network Expansion Kalyan Jewellers, one of India’s leading jewellery brands will continue to invest in enhancing its presence in the domestic and international markets this year. Kalyan Jewellers launched 17 showrooms in 2016, and plans to invest over I500 crore in 2017 to open 15 new showrooms.

The brand plans to foray into central India and expand its presence in the UAE and northern India. The company is also looking to augment its reach with investment in a digital platform and re-launch its purchase advance scheme, compliant with the prevailing regulations. Kalyan Jewellers will also launch new sub-brands in gold, diamond and precious jewellery to cater to new segments.

Last year, Kalyan Jewellers forayed into Kolkata with three showrooms that also marked the 100th store milestone for the brand. The multi-store retailer also entered Rajasthan with showrooms in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. The company further enhanced its presence in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The Middle East is another market that the brand concentrated on, with the launch of seven new showrooms in Qatar in one day, and a few months later in Dubai and Kuwait. It already has a sizeable presence in UAE and Kuwait, including a manufacturing facility in the Sharjah free trade zone, which currently processes 150 to 200 kg of jewellery.

Speaking about the expansion plans, T.S. Kalyanaraman, chairman and managing director of Kalyan Jewellers, said, “We have gradually expanded our footprint in the north and east regions of the country during the last year. We have also had tremendous success in West Asia and Kalyan Jewellers has been well received after our recent foray in Qatar. The brand strategy of investing in sub-brands including Mudhra, Anokhi, Glo and our Arabic collection Ameera has worked well with the customers. We are committed to invest in growth capital including pursuing inorganic opportunities during 2017.”

Kalyan Jewellers caters to over 1.6 million customers globally, which includes a significant amount of repeat customers. In an effort to offer additional privileges to its loyal customers, the brand launched its membership programme ‘Kalyan Priority’. Kalyan Jewellers also signed on popular actress and fashionista Sonam Kapoor as one of the faces of the brand.

30 solitaire INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2017

Jewelry Virtual Fair Holds Design Contest

Jewelry Virtual Fair, the first social network dedicated to professionals of gold and jewellery, held a design contest themed on Fuchsia Inspirations. The participants of the contest – young designers, gold and jewellery companies and students taking jewellery courses – created contemporary jewellery, inspired by the fuchsia colour used in their creations with or without gemstones. Awards were given away on January 22nd at the exclusive Maison Franco Pianegonda, Vicenza.

For the third year in succession, the chairman of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd., Savjibhai Dholakia distributed 1,200 cars as incentives to his top performing employees at the hands of spiritual leader Shri Morari Bapu. To mark the occasion, Bapu planted a banyan sapling in Hari Krishna Group premises, and noted that it symbolised the growing faith between the company and its employees. He further added that “one becomes pure and spotless like the Ganges, only when one utilises one’s prosperity, fame and innovative thinking to promote the welfare of others.”

The first prize was won by Aisegul Telli of Turkey for the piece Sugar Crush; the second place was secured by Between the Twigs, Italy, for Vanilla Bud Earrings; the third prize went to JF Project, Italy, for Aurora Bangle; and the fourth prize was given to Slawa Tchorzewska, Polonia, for Fuchsia Ring.

A Special Prize was given to Jewellery Presentiment, by Smallthingscout, which was the most voted on the web community of Virtual Jewelry Fair. The piece was proclaimed a winner in December 2016.

The contest drew participants from Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland, Germany, Greece and Turkey. The jury comprised Franco Pianegonda (founder of Franco Pianegonda jewellery brand/Enjoy all You are); Alessandra Meda (editorial coordinator of Vicenza Jewellery); Bianca Cappello (professor); Lucia Del Pasqua (fashion and lifestyle blogger founder of thefashionpolitan.com) and Helena Takada Cattaneo (publisher of Brilho and Joya & Cia and JVF partners for the South American area), who selected the four winning creations. For more information, visit www.jewelryvirtualfair.com

Hari Krishna Distributes 1,200 Cars To Employees

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Indian Jeweller Hosts Its Annual Design AwardsThe Indian Jeweller magazine hosted its annual JJS-IJ Jewellers Choice Design Awards 2016 on December 23rd 2016 at Hotel Marriott in Jaipur. Manufacturers, retailers and designers from across the country submitted their designs under various categories and price points for review and selection across 22 product categories. Pieces were chosen based on 10,000 votes received from retailers across India and selections made by the grand jury panel.

The show was hosted by Mandira Bedi, while the award presenters noted film star Manisha Koirala, Bhagyashree and model-turned-actress Aditi Gowitrikar added glamour to the evening. Ashok Parnami, president BJP, Rajasthan also attended the event.

The awards night brought forth a wonderful opportunity for manufacturers and designers of India to showcase their talent, creativity and products through a unique platform.

No. CAtegorIes WINNers1 Diamond Jewellery Under I5,00,000 Enshine, Surat2 Diamond Jewellery Over I5,00,000 BR Designs, Surat3 Coloured Stone Jewellery Under I5,00,000 Raniwala Jewellers, Jaipur4 Coloured Stone Jewellery Over I5,00,000 Dwarkadas Chandumal Jewellers 5 Gold Jewellery Under I2,50,000 Vikas Chain & Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi6 Gold Jewellery Over I2,50,000 Vasupati Jewellers, Mumbai7 Designer Jewellery Under I5,00,000 Gold Artism, Mumbai8 Designer Jewellery Over I5,00,000 Narayan Jewellers, Vadodra9 CZ Jewellery Over I50,000 Emerald Jewel Industry India Limited, Coimbatore10 Best Necklace Design Under I10,00,000 Aakar Gold, Mumbai11 Best Necklace Design Over I10,00,000 CH Jewellers12 Best Ring Design Under I2,50,000 Abhushan Diamond & Gold, Agra13 Best Ring Design Over I2,50,000 TBZ The Original, Mumbai14 Best Bracelet Design Under I5,00,000 Adgaonkar Saraf, Nashik &Adbhut Jewells , Jaipur15 Best Bracelet Design Over I5,00,000 Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers, Jaipur16 Best Earring Design Under I5,00,000 Kays Jewels Pvt. Ltd., Kanpur17 Best Earring Design Over I5,00,000 Khurana Jewellery House, Amritsar18 Best Bridal Design Under I15,00,000 DP Jewellers, Ratlam19 Best Bridal Design Over I15,00,000 Notandas & Sons, Mumbai & GRT Jewellers, Chennai20 Accessory Jewellery Of The Year Orra Fine Jewellery, Mumbai21 Temple Jewellery Of The Year Sawansukha Jewellers, Kolkata22 Theme Based Jewellery Of The Year - Architectural Jewel Goldi India, Mumbai & GIE Gold Creations, Jaipur23 Editor’s Choice Award Jaipur Johri, Jaipur

AWArD WINNers

Sawansukha Jewellers won the Award for Temple Jewellery of the Year. DP Jewellers bags the award for the Best Bridal Design Under I15,00,000.

Gold Jewellery Over I2,50,000 won by Vasupati Jewellers, Mumbai.

32 solitaire INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2017

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