Edmonton Jeweler to Display 10-Ct. Pink Diamond

Canadian fine jewelry retail chain, Birks, will showcase a 10-carat fancy light purplish pink diamond at its Edmonton store at Manulife Place, 10180 - 101st St., from April 13-17. The radiant cut diamond with SI1 clarity is owned by a private collector and is available for $2.5 million CAD ($2.52 million). 

The pink diamond originated from a rare rough stone of 21.35 carats found in a South African mine, making it one of the world’s largest pink diamonds ever mined, Birks said in a statement. Because of its large size, it took 3½ months to cut and polish the stone. The pink diamond, with its purple and pink hues, is set on a platinum ring.

Pink diamonds of this size, as regular readers of this blog know, are extremely rare. The auction house Christie's – one of the most important resellers of diamonds in the world—has reportedly auctioned 18 polished pink diamonds over 10 carats in its 244-year history. The South African 10-carat stone, made from a 21.35-carat rough stone, is even larger than Australia's biggest rough pink diamond weighing 12.76 carats, recently unearthed at its Argyle mine, the most famous mine in the world for pink diamonds.

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Jewelry Tradeshows and National Jeweler Acquired By Private Equity Firm

Buyers and exhibitors conduct business at the recently concluded 2013 Couture Show in the Wynn Las Vegas. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Toronto-based private equity firm, Onex Corp., said Tuesday that it has acquired Nielsen Expositions, which includes the jewelry tradeshows Couture Show in Las Vegas, JA New York, JA Special Delivery New York, and the online jewelry publication, National Jeweler.

Onex paid the Nielsen Expositions’ parent firm, an affiliate of Nielsen Holdings N.V., $950 million in cash consideration. With the closing of the acquisition, the company was renamed Emerald Expositions, Inc., based in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. It produces more than 65 business-to-business tradeshows and conference events per year across nine markets, including general merchandise, sports, hospitality and retail design, jewelry, photography, decorated apparel, building, healthcare and military.

Onex Partners III made an equity investment of approximately $350 million, of which Onex’ share was $85 million as a Limited Partner in the Fund.

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Luxury Jeweler Mauboussin Brings ‘French Chic’ to US

Thierry Chaunu, Mauboussin North America CEO, is charged with reintroducing the luxury jewelry brand to a new audience in the US. Here, he demonstrates the technique of tying a ribbon on the hatbox-shaped package that customers take home. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Thierry Chaunu appears as if he is at home sitting in an oversized red chair with a white polka-dot pattern. The French native says he feels as if he has returned to his roots at the French luxury jewelry brand, Mauboussin.

In August, Chaunu was hired as the North American CEO of the company with its flagship store at Place Vendôme and a four-story US flagship on Madison Avenue where we spoke earlier this week.

The entrance of the Mauboussin Madison Avenue boutique. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

He talks excitedly about the introducing the brand to fashion-conscious women and educating consumers in the US, Canada and the Caribbean on the history of the company.

“Here in America I think people will develop a true appreciation of the history of the brand,” Chaunu said.

Mauboussin was founded in 1827 in Paris and in the 1940s moved its store to Place Vendôme. In the early to mid 20th Century, the company catered to European royalty and also Hollywood stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn and Greta Garbo. During this time the company had a boutique in Madison Avenue in New York about 10 blocks away from its current location. Its Art Deco jewelry from the period continues to be a staple look in its current designs.

Mauboussin Festival Necklace featuring the Mauboussin star logo. This diamond necklace is available in 18k white gold or platinum. 

In addition, its logo of a star that appears to be in flight is a constant theme in its boutique and jewelry designs. The branding extends to the packaging the customers take home, which are in the shape of hatboxes. This harkens back to its 20th Century heydays, however, the design is thoroughly modern with the star logo appearing like a flock of black birds pointing upwards, gradually turning the top of the white box to black.

The brand is well known in France where there are about 30 boutiques and hundreds of points of sale. It also has a strong presence in Singapore, Japan, Morocco and Dubai.

The bridal suite is bathed in layers of white with crinoline tufting on the ceiling, and padded and feathered wall finishes. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

In 2008, the company, which hasn’t had a presence in the US since the Second World War, opened a grand four-story boutique on Madison Avenue near 63rd Street. Elaborate modern paintings, sculptures and furnishings (such as the polka dot chairs) are scattered throughout the building. The third floor bridal suite is bathed in layers of white with crinoline tufting on the ceiling, padded white wall finishes and thick white carpeting. The fourth floor used for entertaining has a full kitchen and bar. The first floor main retail space has the words amour toujours (love always), in graffiti style red paint on a white, brick wall above caricatures of what looks like snowmen and snowwomen in top hats and fancy dresses from the early 20th Century. The jewelry and watches are housed inside what the brand describes as “treasure boxes,”—sleek and modern dark wood boxes that stand on top of long, thin legs.

Sleek, modern "treasure boxes," which in this instance contains timepieces, are one of the design details of the Mauboussin boutique. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

While a great deal of money went into the location of the store on one of the priciest retail districts in the world and its design, it appears little actually went into marketing and advertising.

Chaunu is working on a number of ways to bring the brand a larger audience. The French native and longtime US citizen is a veteran of the luxury jewelry and watch industry and has worked for some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Cartier, Chopard and Leviev. In fact, Chaunu says he considers Mauboussin a bit of a homecoming as he began his career with Cartier, another jewelry tenant at Place Vendôme.

The 18k Alessandra Ring with a a 1-carat round brillant diamond, GVS quality, and flanked by diamond baguettes.

He is focusing on finding the right product mix and retail environments to introduce the brand throughout North America. The details of how this will be done haven’t been determined and he is open to just about anything. However, he will focus on self-purchasing women.

“Our goal is to penetrate the US and go after the fashion conscious fine jewelry buyer who is into style and design and reach out to them with this Parisian chic appeal,” he says.

He has been traveling throughout North America trying to find retail partners. He is talking with independent jewelry retailers and department stores. It could take the form of having pieces as part of store’s larger display having a branded space inside a store (“shop in shops”). He also said branded boutiques in other cities may be in the mix.

18K white gold Solitaire Star Chance of Love Ring with diamond pave. It is available with a diamond from 0.10-carat to 1-carat.

Over the years the brand increased and diversified its product lines to match the changing consumer. No longer just for royalty and Hollywood, the brand produces pieces that are as fashionable as they are refined in price points ranging from less than $1,000 to well into the six figures.

In addition to its logo appearing on many designs, the company focuses on platinum and white gold, said Laurence Bouard, the director of the Madison Avenue store. Other than that, gemstones, diamonds and other materials are used freely in its designs. Within this framework, there’s a great deal of versatility with each design in terms of the sizes and types of gemstones that can be used.

In France, by far its largest market, Chaunu said the company has been successful with pop up stores and other retail programs to attract a larger, younger audience.

Chaunu explains that while he has hit the ground running since his hiring two months ago, he is being patient, looking for the right mix of products with the right retailers.

“I don’t know how this will play out but it’s a logical development for a brand,” he says. “I’m taking a cautious, step-by-step approach and develop a presence where it makes sense…. You don’t want to rush, rush, rush. You need all the ingredients to come together.”

Like most brands, the company also has other product lines, such as eyewear and very popular fragrances for women and men. However, aggressive promotion of these products will be done down the line. For now, Chaunu says the focus is on jewelry.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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Elizabeth Taylor’s Paper Jewelry Finds a Home with a Virginia Jeweler

Elizabeth Taylor's paper jewelry suite sold at Christie's auction to the owners of Jewelry By Design. Photo Credit: Anthony DeMarco

Out of all the outrageous prices paid for jewelry belonging to Elizabeth Taylor during the two-day auction at Christie's New York, the biggest head scratcher had to be the $6,875 paid for a suite of paper jewelry that had a high pre-auction estimate of $300.

The “jewelry” was a gag gift from Malcolm Forbes to Elizabeth Taylor. She apparently loved the spirit of the gift and recounted the story of it in her 2002 book, My Love Affair with Jewelry.

Jenny Caro, who, along with her husband John, owns Jewelry By Design, a jewelry retail store in Woodbridge, Va., explained why they bought the gift and how they are using it.

Forbes would have been proud of the couple’s marketing savvy.

“Fortunately due to you and other people in the press our purchase of the suite of paper jewelry has turned into a bonanza of free press,” she said.

After purchasing the paper suite, she was interviewed by the BBC outside the auction house. Stories about the purchase have already made the local newspapers. Two Washington, D.C. television stations are scheduled to make the 20-mile trek south to Woodbridge to interview the couple at their store. And now she has a story on Jewelry News Network.

Jenny Caro being interviewed by the BBC about her purchase of paper jewelry. Photo Credit: Jewelry By Design

For a business that advertises on local cable, the purchase has paid off big time in free publicity, particularly the week before Christmas.

It doesn’t end with just the immediate publicity. While taking the train back to Washington, D.C., they purchased two of Taylor’s jewelry pieces through the Online Only Auction that Christie’s is hosting. It will be used along with the paper jewelry in an Elizabeth Taylor display at the store.

John and Jenny Caro.
Photo Credit: Jewelry By Design

“We’re a good example of a business doing things, being different and taking risks to help our business grow,” she said. “What many people see as foolish can be wise.”

She compares her purchase to the purchase of the 33-carat Burton-Taylor diamond by the Korean-based E Land Group, who said they are going to exhibit it at “E World,” an amusement park in Daegu, according to published reports.

“You couldn’t go by the intrinsic value of jewels, because the truth is everything was selling so high that what you bought you couldn’t turn around,” she said. “The South Korean who bought the Burton diamond bought it for a business reason. What is $8.8 million when it comes to advertising worldwide? What’s $6,800 when it comes to local advertising.”

The couple arrived from Washington, D.C., by bus to the black tie gathering on Tuesday night and stayed at a hotel on Rockefeller Square.

“We were there for Tuesday night and at first I was insecure, expecting people dressed to the nines and a thoroughly eloquent affair,” she said. “But people were dressed in all manners and all kinds of people were there. It wasn’t exactly a luxury experience. It was very much of a no nonsense experience at the auction with the seats crammed together.”

It wasn’t necessarily the couple’s goal to purchase the paper jewelry suite. They wanted to buy fine jewelry that Taylor was pictured wearing to use for store promotions. With a line of credit of $50,000, they focused on the opera charm necklace, a gift from Edith Head, a costume designer and very close friend of Taylor. It was the third lot of the evening and had an estimate of $1,500 to $2,000. It sold for $314,500.

It was obvious they were not going to buy anything that night and Jenny said the folding chairs were uncomfortable.

Photo credit: Jewelry By Design

“As the night went on we could see what was happening,” she said. “We left early. You can only watch so many millions be spent like hundred-dollar bills.”

They returned the next day for the second and final day of the jewelry portion of the four-day auction.

“We stayed hopeful but prices were very high (again),” she said. “Ninety percent of the sales went to people on phones. Who knows who they even were? Kim Kardashian? The businessman from South Korea?”

It wasn’t until the afternoon session they found something they could afford: the paper jewelry suite. But it wasn’t easy as they found themselves in a bidding war as the price flew past the $300 estimate and finally sold for $6,875, including auction commission.

“Everyone was looking at us, laughing almost,” she said. “We were thrilled.”

The couple was interviewed by the BBC outside the auction house. Then they decided to skip the bus, feeling that they earned a bit of luxury and took train back to Washington.

Coral branch, multi-gem, cultured pearl and gold necklace purchased online by the Caros. Photo credit: Christie's

But they were still working as they won bids on two items on the online auction: chandelier earrings and an ivory necklace. The winning bid for the necklace was $8,000. In what Jenny describes as an “obscure book,” they found a picture of Taylor wearing the necklace with George Hamilton.

“It’s a very different, interesting necklace,” Jenny said. “She was young when she bought that and you could definitely see how her taste refined over the years and how it became more sophisticated. We are mainly a jewelry store for self-purchasing women and we see our customers develop their taste and sophistication.

In addition to the publicity and the Elizabeth Taylor display, the couple has more plans for the Taylor purchases.

“We look forward to having fun with our customers and we will develop a line of custom jewelry based on what we bought.”

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The Royal Jeweler Speaks

Above the entrance at Wartski is the Coats of palms of Queen Elizabeth II, which serves as the logo for the royal warrant of appointment, in this case serving as the royal jeweler. picture credit score: Anthony DeMarco

LONDON — Geoffrey Munn is one of Britain’s gold standard authorities on antique jewelry with a particular emphasis on 19th-century treasured metalwork and the house of Fabergé. he is absolute best recognized within the U.k. as one of the experts on the BBC Antiques Roadshow. He has authored four books and curated a couple of exhibitions.

Geoffrey Munn, managing director of Wartski, discusses the provenance Faberge objects within the display case. picture credit score: Anthony DeMarco

Munn, 59, is a particularly engaging particular person and a grasp storyteller with a speedy-fire talking style who can consult with ardour, empathy and a sprinkling of humor, the human tales (incessantly tragic) at the back of finely crafted vintage pieces. then again, there is one topic he received’t speak about: His relationship with the royal domestic. You see, Munn is managing director of Wartski, an antique dealership with a “royal warrant of appointment.” In different phrases, he and the shop serve as one of about 850 firms and folks and one among a handful of jewelers that offer goods and services and products to the royal domestic.

“Mums the phrase,” he said from behind the counter at Wartski, where he has worked due to the fact that he used to be 19.

A Fabergé assortment of about 10 gadgets made from Siberian jade, recognized for its dark inexperienced coloration with black markings. photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

When it was once time for Kate Middleton to have her marriage ceremony ring normal from the royal supply of Welsh gold, it was once Wartski that did the job. the shop additionally supplied the engagement and marriage ceremony rings to Queen Elizabeth’s grandson, Viscount Linley, when he married Serena Stanhope in 1993. It made the marriage rings (additionally of Welsh gold) for The Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker-Bowles for his or her 2005 wedding.

the store, situated just off of the Bond boulevard luxury purchasing boulevard, specializes in Fabergé and other objects of royalty. The façade is neat and fairly brand new for a place that deals with antiques. dark slate surrounds massive show windows with items neatly in place. Above the doorway is the Wartski identify and the Coats of hands of Queen Elizabeth II, which serves as the symbol for the royal warrant of appointment.

among the many items within the display case at Wartski is an antique jeweled humming hen brooch in mid flight with its wings, pave set with cushion formed rubies and old brilliant cut diamonds. The beak and toes are fabricated from yellow gold, its single eye set up with a cabochon emerald. photograph credit: Anthony DeMarco

despite containing the uncommon and pricey valuables of royalty—along with the triumphs, loves and tragedies of their former homeowners—the store is a picture of understatement. jewellery and other antiques are neatly saved in an extended glass display case that serves as a counter on one aspect of the room or along gentle-coloured wood wall shows.

Objects of artwork neatly organized in wall shows. photograph credit: Anthony DeMarco

in the retailer on this specific day, June 15, was a set of about 10 Fabergé items made from Siberian jade, recognized for its deep inexperienced hue and black markings, in one wall show. in the glass case standing out among the pieces used to be an vintage jeweled humming fowl brooch in mid flight with no-swept wings, pavé set with cushion formed rubies and previous sensible reduce diamonds. The beak and feet are made from yellow gold, its single eye mounted with a cabochon emerald. also standing out within the glass amongst a couple of sparkling diamond items used to be a diamond set “Comet” brooch fabricated from platinum, round brilliant cut diamonds and step cut diamonds.

Faberge Siberian aquamarine and diamond brooch used to be a present from Tsar Nicholas II to princess Alix of Hesse. They had been performed July 17,1918, and she used to be wearing the jewel proper up unless the time of her loss of life. picture credit: Anthony DeMarco

He confirmed our workforce several pieces of rare objects with special stories, together with a brooch with a big translucent aquamarine stone surrounded by means of diamonds. right here’s how he tells the story at the back of the brooch.

In here now we have a Fabergé brooch, a Siberian aquamarine surrounded by using diamonds. That’s all we knew for a while. It’s an exemplary aquamarine and it’s of phenomenal color. (ladies in the crew gasp with amazement). i know, I know it’s extraordinary. (but) it’s best the start of the difficulty. as a result of this in point of fact is going to wreck you and also you’ll desire a stiff drink afterwards. It’s an exemplary aquamarine and it’s a Siberian one and they don’t in point of fact are available in that colour until they do come from Siberia.… The story of this is in point of fact moderately awe inspiring since the coloration blue within the lore of lapidary stones stands for love and then there’s sort of the interlock of two lives with diamonds eternally. And that’s all we knew for an extraordinarily long time except my colleague sent off the quantity to Russia and again got here the provenance and it mentioned that it was once offered through the Supreme Autocrat of all the Russias—a lovely sizzling title—and there’s a observe beside it announcing it was the engagement present from (Russian Tsar) Nicholas II to princess Alix of Hesse. and that's type of stratospheric. however then what occurs later is even more heartbreaking because when they have been taken to jail in Siberia (all the way through the Bolshevik Revolution), they went to a spot referred to as the house of special goal—an extraordinarily menacing title—and what happens next but this (the jewel) used to be together with her simply prior to she was taken to the basement and riddled with gunfire. It used to be confiscated and it isn’t in truth open to debate as a result of it was a civil provider theft and so they made a listing of what they’ve taken from her they usually photographed it on the table so you don’t hear any fanciful stories. i think probably that’s as far as jewellery will ever take you.

Munn, who has spent most of his existence at Wartski, is within the technique of writing a history of the shop with insider stories of the many of celebrities and royalties who have handed through its doors. along with his knack for storytelling, it should be an interesting learn.

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