JVC Publishes Guide on FTC Platinum Amendments

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee released The Essential Guide to the U.S. Trade in Platinum Jewelry to clarify Federal Trade Commission’s 2010 amendments to the platinum section of the guides for the jewelry, precious metal and pewter industries. This guide explains these revised standards, and what they mean in practical terms for those who manufacture, promote and sell platinum jewelry. The guide was underwritten by a grant from Platinum Guild International USA. 

The Essential Guide includes legal standards for platinum, glossary of terms, frequently asked questions and two platinum tolerance charts, explaining how to stamp and describe both traditional products and platinum products containing a minimum 500 ppt platinum alloyed with base metal. 

“This Essential Guide explains fairly complex FTC amendments for the marketing and stamping of products containing platinum,” said Cecilia Gardner, JVC president and CEO. “This tool gives practical guidance on how to compliantly market and describe these products.” 

To view and download the Essential Guide online, visit this link on the JVC website or this link to the PGI website.

Neil Lane Engagement Ring Adds Sparkle to ‘The Bachelorette’ Finale

The ABC reality show, The Bachelorette, received some added sparkle when Roberto Martinez proposed to bachelorette, Ali Fedotowsky, with a hand-crafted Neil Lane diamond and platinum ring.

The ring (pictured above) is centered with an asscher-cut diamond and accented with 184 round brilliant cut diamonds in a fine handmade setting. Total diamond weight is 3.03 carats. The custom designed ring is signed Neil Lane.
In the romance reality series, a lucky woman gets the opportunity to find the man of her dreams—and her groom-to-be. Fedotowsky embarked on a romantic journey as she met 25 eligible men, getting to know each one as she narrowed the field. They traveled to exotic locations, introduced them to her family and met some of the bachelors’ families. At the end of her romantic voyage, she found “Mr. Right,” and a proposal with a Neil Lane diamond ring.

Los Angles-based Neil Lane is the favorite jeweler for Hollywood brides-to-be. The list of Hollywood celebrities who have received Lane’s engagement ring include Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Sandra Bullock, Brooke Shields and Jennifer Hudson.

Mark Schneider’s New Bridal Designs

 Charmed

Award-winning jewelry designer Mark Schneider introduced several new bridal designs during the Couture jewelry show in Las Vegas. The collection of the diamond engagement rings is available in 14k and 18k white gold and in platinum.

 Delicate

Schneider’s bridal designs have won numerous awards over the years. The company's headquarters is in Long Beach, Calif. 

 Honey

Below are some more images of the new collection:

 Innocence                             Kindle

Orchid

Diamond and Gem Jewelry Designs by John Apel

Turkish born American jewelry designer John Apelian introduced three new collections during jewelry week using diamonds, gemstones and 18k gold or platinum, under the company name of John Apel.

The first (pictured above) is an 18k yellow gold necklace with beryl stones and diamonds. It is part of the Colors Collection.

The Marquees shaped platinum and rose cut diamond earrings from the Shimmers Collection, one of the company's signature lines.

Below is Larissa micropave diamond and platinum setting with round center cut diamond from the Serendipity Collection. The ring also is available in 18k gold.

The New York-based company was formerly known as DiLaro Jewelry Co.