Today’s Twitter Feed

From mine to market there is no rest for the creation and movement of jewels around the world. It is much too dynamic and diverse an industry for one blog. That’s why there’s a Jewelry News Network Twitter feed. The 11 Twitter feeds for today deal with mines, conflict diamonds, upcoming jewelry exhibitions, a jewelry catsuit and a “Gems Among Us” essay contest.

For these stories and more, please follow the “JewelryNewsNet” Twitter feed.

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As always, thank you for your support.

Anthony

Helzberg Diamonds Sponsors Kentucky Derby Jockey

Jockey Javier Castellano in his Helzberg Diamonds racing suit. Photo credit: Helzberg Diamonds

Jewelry retailer Helzberg Diamonds is hoping it picked the winner in today’s Kentucky Derby through its sponsorship of jockey, Javier Castellano, who will ride Gemologist.

Castellano and Gemologist are currently the favorite at 9-1 odds in the 21-horse field.

Castellano has been involved in the North Kansas City, Mo.-based company’s promotion for the Derby through personal appearances, interviews made available on the retailer’s Facebook and Twitter pages and this video on the Helzberg Diamonds website.

The Berkshire Hathaway-owned jewelry retailer has also has been using the Derby tie-in for several cross-promotional activities that include its “I am Loved” Mother’s Day button, a fashionable jewelry guide for women to wear on Kentucky Derby day and a “Derby things we love” Pinterest page.

Heading into the Derby, Castellano and Gemologist have won four straight races, including the Grade 1 Wood Memorial. Castellano is currently the leading jockey in major wins and earnings. He will be riding Gemologist in an effort to join other undefeated Kentucky Derby winners. A total of seven horses have won the Derby undefeated and Gemologist will be the 23rd to attempt this feat since 1900.

In 2011, Castellano finished as one of the top five jockeys in the nation, with 11 Grade 1 victories, more than any other rider that year.

The Kentucky Derby post time is scheduled for 6:24 p.m. The race will be televised on NBC.

Fine Jewelry Flash-Sales Website Launches a Blog, Facebook Page and Twitter Account

While much of the jewelry industry is taking baby steps onto e-commerce, one company is taking a giant leap forward.

Ajaline is billing itself as the first members only flash-sales Web site for the luxury fine jewelry and watches market. The new site is set to launch in early February. It offers its members the opportunity to safely and securely acquire fine jewelry and watches at a 30-70 percent savings off recommended retail prices. It is currently accepting members.

What the company did launch Wednesday was its insiders blog, which will include “trend forecasting, commentary and news from leading industry experts,” the company said in a statement. It will feature a number of guest bloggers within the jewelry, fashion, and celebrity arenas. 

Ajaline co-founders Jim Conte and Meeling Wong

The blog is hosted by the well-connected Ajaline co-founder, Meeling Wong, the former John Hardy president and David Yurman national sales manager. Her partner is Jim Conte.

The company  also launched a facebook fan page and a Twitter account.

“We created Ajaline for the consumer who appreciates luxury,” Conte said. “The interactive blog is meant to invite people to share their passions for fine jewelry and their favorite brands. Our consumer can connect directly with fashion trendsetters and fine jewelry experts to learn the latest news and information, as well as facts about fine jewelry itself.”