Jeweller - November Issue 2017

NEWS
IN BRIEF
*
DIAMOND SWAP
A 5-carat diamond valued at approximately
$300,000 was stolen from a Cerrone
store in Sydney’s CBD after it was
reportedly switched for a ‘fake’ stone.
The robbery involved a man who allegedly
swapped the loose diamond for a stone
of lesser value before leaving on foot
with the diamond.
*
BODY LANGUAGE
John Russo, the former international
sales director and global trainer of
Hearts on Fire, has been announced as
Nationwide Jewellers’ keynote speaker
for its 2018 annual conference. Russo will
discuss how jewellery retailers can improve
sales through body language
and psychology with his presentation
‘Secrets of Body Language’.
*
RECORD SALE
Jewellery retailer Graff Diamonds has
acquired the world’s largest rough
diamond for US$53 million (AU$67.4 m).
The 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona is described
as the largest gem-quality rough diamond
in existence. The stone failed to sell at a
Sotheby’s auction last year.
*
GARAGE BROOCH SELLS
A diamond, emerald and ruby brooch
that was purchased at a garage sale in the
US for $US8 (AU$10) sold for US$26,000
(AU$33,110) at a Bonhams New York
Fine Jewellery auction. The brooch,
which originated circa 1900, was bought
at the garage sale by an anonymous
woman as a ‘gift’.
*
SYNTHETIC DEVICE
De Beers Group’s International Institute
of Diamond Grading and Research
(IIDGR) recently introduced Synthdetect
for retailers. The ‘industry first’ synthetic
detection device uses the IIDGR’s
patented luminescence technology to
simultaneously screen diamonds in a
range of jewellery pieces without the use
of a probe. It is said to employ the ‘unique’
approach of detecting natural stones rather
than synthetics.
+ MORE BREAKING NEWS
JEWELLERMAGAZINE.COM
Retailer closes high-profile store
Jewellery retail chain Thomas Jewellers has
announced the closure of its store located
at the Royal Arcade building in Melbourne’s
Bourke Street Mall.
According to a company statement, the
decision to cease operations at the retailer’s
only metropolitan location, which has been
trading for 30 years, is part of a business
overhaul and renewed focus on regional
stores. “With regional Australia the core of
their brand DNA, the move to refocus on their
country stores coincides with an upcoming
rebrand rollout, including fresh store designs,”
the statement read.
Thomas Jewellers reportedly holds a 30 per
cent stake in the Royal Arcade building and
the statement confirmed that a new tenant
for the “prime position” retail space would be
unveiled in 2018.
The news came hot on the heels of an
announcement that Pandora had secured a
lease deal for a six-level building in the Bourke
Street Mall. Annual rent is believed
to be about $1 million.
Les Georgettes commits to market
A recent visit by its vice president and the
establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary
indicates that French jewellery company
Les Georgettes is committed to making
an impact in the Australian and New
Zealand markets.
Les Georgettes is part of the Renaissance
Luxury Group and its vice president Frederic
Brunel-Acquaviva visited Sydney in early
October with the aim of strengthening
business operations. It follows the
establishment of a company-owned
Australian subsidiary business, Renaissance
Luxury Australia, in June.
Brunel-Acquaviva explained there were
several reasons for his visit, including the
review of the subsidiary’s operations as
well as the sales and marketing strategy. He
acknowledged the local market was “suffering
a bit” by the economic situation and retail
challenges but added he was confident there
was a gap in the market for Les Georgettes,
which specialises in jewellery consisting of
interchangeable colourful band insets.
Jewellers fundraise for sales rep
House of Harvey jewellery store owners
Alannah and Bob Harvey have raised
$3,775 for the Australian Cancer Research
Foundation (ACRF) after completing the
Sydney Running Festival in tribute of a sales
representative who passed away earlier
this year. The two Queensland jewellers’
fundraising efforts were in honour of
Mike Griese, a sales rep for Ikecho Pearls,
Jewellery Centre, Imajpack and AM Imports
who lost his battle with cancer in March.
Alannah stated that the Sydney Running
Festival was an ideal way to generate industry
support for the retailer’s charity efforts and
increase customer relationships, as it was a
high-profile event with many spectators and
national media coverage.
She added the store’s ACRF fundraising
initiatives would continue through to
Christmas, noting several suppliers including
the Jewellery Centre and Adina Watches had
supported the business’ efforts.
12 Jeweller November 2017