AGTA's 2012 Color Forecast
AGTA
What's the color with juice? Tangerine, of course! It's the "2012 Color of the Year," according to the Pantone Color Institute. From fashion and jewelry to beauty and home, this bold and refreshing red-orange is bursting with energy everywhere. "It's not only fun and beautiful but also surprisingly flattering on most everyone," says Pantone's Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman. In an exclusive interview with AGTA, Eiseman-often referred to as "the international color guru" and author of the recently published "Pantone: The 20th Century in Color"-says that the spirit of this cheerful color, Tangerine Tango (what Pantone calls it) is ripe for adding bright and sunny orange-colored stone jewelry to your wardrobe, too. MORE

A Family Affair: A custom jeweler builds memories for a client and her loved ones
MJSA
When custom jeweler Cynthia Renée's client, Mary, first came to visit her in 2003, she had a hunch that a lot of retailers might write Mary off as "a Mom who was 'just looking'" -- because she often shopped with her two young children in tow. As well, Mary was confident enough not to need labels on her clothes or accessories. But she was passionate about colored gemstones and jewelry-well-designed and unique jewelry that is. Mary told Renée that she was ready to start building a personal collection. MORE

Jewelry Sector Running to Catch Up with Technology
Barbara Mooty
The jewelry industry historically has been rooted in tradition and slow to embrace change. While the sector is quick to test new manufacturing techniques and cost-saving processes; it lags behind in its acceptance of online technologies and new business models. Only recently, have many independent and small-chain retailers, designers and manufacturers created Facebook pages or awakened to online marketing and social media. Sadly, only a handful use Twitter or understand what type of marketing tool Twitter is. MORE

Yael Designs is recognized by AGTA with another Spectrum Award - Honorable Mention in Bridal Wear. Bold, yet effervescent - 'Baroness' Tanzanite and diamond earrings will make any woman feel like royalty! For more stunning designs and deep blue tanzanites, check out the award-winning Pacifica Tanzanite Collection; inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Click here to see more.

Oscar Heyman Celebrates 100 Years of Creative Genius in Jewelry
Oscar Heyman
New York, NY -- 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of Oscar Heyman & Brothers and the company will celebrate by launching a new look and unveiling the Oscar Heyman 100th Anniversary Collection. Since 1912, Oscar Heyman has been creating exquisite jewelry that showcases the striking elegance of colorful gemstones and the beauty of the women who wear it. MORE

AGTA GemJammin' for Jewelers For Children
	Everyone is welcome to come play, sing or listen at the jewelry and gemstone industry's annual music jam - AGTA GemJammin' - at The Hut on Thursday, February 2nd in Tucson. This fantastic event brings together an incredible amount of musical talent each year. The cover is only $10 at the door, with all proceeds going to Jewelers For Children. If you would like to join in, sign up at www.gemjammin.com. Sponsored by: AGTA, Stuller, Instore Magazine, and Jewelers Mutual Insurance.

AGTA Member Supports African Gemological School
Roger Dery
Arusha Vocational School - we have been looking at ways to assist the locals in Tanzania to develop skills that will make them employable in the gem sector. We have teamed up with Peter Salla the director of the Arusha Gemological & Vocational Centre to work through some of the stumbling blocks of employment.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt
Forbes
Fabergé is of course known for its jeweled eggs. In London, the luxury jewelry house is taking this iconic symbol of luxury and turning it into an oversized, multi-day, multi-faceted Easter promotion throughout the city.
The culmination of the promotion is a massive Easter egg hunt across Central London, which will feature 200 giant and uniquely crafted, strategically placed eggs, scattered throughout the capital. MORE

$700m strategic gem plan coming
Zambia Daily Mail
GOVERNMENT says it will soon develop a strategic plan aimed at revamping the gemstone sector which, if properly managed, can contribute about US$700 million to the treasury.
Government has also said it is in the process of lifting the ban on the recently suspended issuance of new mining and non-mining rights.
Minister of Mines Wilbur Simuusa said he is expected to meet with the Federation of Small-Scale Mining Association of Zambia (FSSMAZ) and other stakeholders on the process to revive the gemstone industry. MORE

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Smarter Social Media in 2012
Small Business Trends
The chameleon called social media has transformed once again, and continuing in the field requires adjusting to this change. Here are some links that may help you reinvent your social media strategy for the coming year. MORE

Step inside the Diamond Council Reading Room! The Diamond Council of America invites AGTA members to visit our online Reading Room, which features a library of articles, videos and other resources to help your business thrive.