Fashion
A diamond identification number
(DIN) works much like a vehicle
identification number (VIN). It
is the identifying code for a
specific article.”
His invention “helps protect jewelry
by providing a means of positive
identification if the article is ever
lost or stolen. In addition, if the
jewelry is LaserscribedSM and
registered in IGI’s database, through
IGI’s Registration and Recovery
ServiceSM, the Institute will contact
local police, search the auction
market for the jewelry and alert
jewelers and pawn shops of the
lost or stolen property via Internet.
The technology has enabled both
consumers and trade members to
locate valuable articles time and
time again.”
Jewelry As An
Investment
Purchasing a piece of jewelry is
a type of celebration and creates
memories for years to come. But
does the sentimental value mean
more than what it is valued at, as an
investment? Jerry said, “Depending
on the type of jewelry or gem, it can
certainly be a good investment, but
with any big purchase, you should
do your research first. Leading
diamond-trading network, Rapaport,
has established four keys to diamond
investing: price transparency,
quality assurance, transaction costs
and liquidity. Before moving forward,
investors should understand how
each of these affects the purchase
at hand. In recent years, demand for
diamonds in the U.S. has been on the
rise with the strengthening
economy. Given that they
are traded internationally,
they’re not necessarily
dependent on one
country’s economy
and therefore have
the potential to hold
a relatively consistent
value over time.”
When it comes to appraising
a piece, consumers should do
their research to ensure that
they are going to a reputable
appraiser and that they are using
proper benchmarks. “IGI provides
appraisal reports that attest to the
authenticity of a diamond, gemstone
or article of jewelry and delivers an
independent gemological evaluation
of the gem’s carat weight, color
grade, clarity grade and quality
of cut (the traditional 4Cs). To
determine the estimated retail
value, gems are evaluated according
to the internationally accepted
system for diamond grading, which
is the universal standard within the
diamond industry.
Pantone’s
Fall 2014
Colors
“At an independent accredited lab
like IGI, a team of experts – skilled
graduate gemologists and appraisers
– examines each stone and reaches
a concurrent opinion on its
characteristics, quality and value.
Independent certification ensures
you’re truly getting what you
pay for.”
The JCK recently reported that
jewelry sales are on the rise and
have been consistently rising over
the last two years. “As fine jewelry
is a luxury product, sales tend to
reflect the ups and downs of the
overall economy. As the market
has mostly recovered from the
recession, the jewelry industry
has seen a slow and steady
increase in sales.”
As summer quickly fades into autumn, incorporate the coveted colors
of the season – such as Aurora Red or Bright Cobalt – by combining fine
jewelry with your favorite cold-weather fashions. Pantone’s fall 2014
colors (listed below) inspire creativity and originality with a collection
of unique hues.
Jerry Ehrenwald, president & CEO of the renowned International
Gemological Institute (IGI) and a graduate gemologist with over 40
years of industry experience, offers insight on selecting the right
jewelry and gemstones to brighten every woman’s wardrobe this season:
As our interview comes to a close
I can’t help but ask about his
favorite gemstone, and feel, given
the conversation, I already have
the answer. His taste is classic and
if you haven’t guessed it already,
his personal favorite gemstone is
the diamond, “All diamonds and
gemstones are a gift of nature and
individual works of art with the help
of man fashioning them into polished
stones. To me, a one-carat diamond
is as beautiful as a 20-carat
diamond. Jewelry is a brilliant way
of showing one’s love and if given
as a gift, should be adored and
shared with that person.”
Radiant Orchid – Pantone’s 2014
color of the year can help
transition your favorite summer
pieces. Add an amethyst or
spinel-stoned accessory for
instant glam.
Royal Blue – Pair a gorgeous
sapphire ring with a little black
dress to add a dash of color to
an already sophisticated look.
Aluminum – Incorporate a classic
gray moonstone or quartz to offer
a lighter take on the modern
autumn gray.
Jerry Ehrenwald has the distinct
honor of being named senior
member of the American Society
of Appraisers, one of a select
few named to senior status
in New York, whose
discipline is gems
and jewelry. He is a
certified member of
the Appraisers
Association of America,
as well as the National
Association of Jewelry
Appraisers. Ehrenwald is also
part of the Twenty-Four Karat
Club of the City of New York,
a social club limited to 200
of the