|
|
|
|
Market News
|
|
top |
|
|
Company News
|
|
top |
|
|
Product Launch
|
|
top |
|
|
Exhibition & Events
|
|
top |
|
|
|
|
| Harry Winston reports 10.0 % rise in Q1-2008 sales |
 |
Harry Winston Diamond Corporation reported a 10.0 % rise in combined retail and mining sales to USD $ 156.1 million for the fiscal first quarter ending 30 April 2008. Consolidated net earnings for this three-month period was USD $ 21.3 million. The company’s retail sales also rose 27.0 % to USD $ 74.7 million. The Middle East & Asia were the dominant regions of growth where sales grew 52.0 % to USD $ 18.1 million followed by Europe by 42.0 %. The Canadian mining unit’s operational earnings rose 13.0 % to USD $ 42.0 million. |
|
| Tiffany posts 19.0 % rise in Q1-2008 net profit, poised to open 24 new stores worldwide |
| Tiffany & Co. reported a 19 % rise to USD $ 64.39 million in fiscal first quarter (ending 30 April 2008) net income on better-than-expected sales and margins. Sales for this period grew 12.0 % to USD $ 668.1 million, with strong growth coming from the Asia Pacific region. Chairman & CEO Michael J. Kowalski remarked that strong sales growth reflects the benefit of globally diversifies distribution. Tiffany also announced that it plans to open 24 new stores worldwide. |
 |
|
| High-level TGJTA delegation visits UAE to explore business prospects |
 |
Thailand, one of the world’s leading gem and jewellery producers, has now firmly set its sights on expanding business possibilities in the Middle East. To this end, a delegation of top officials from the Thai Gems & Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) led by Khun Vichai Assarasakorn, President, met in Dubai in April 2008 (during the MidEast Jewellery & Watch Show held in Sharjah) with executives from the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) on the possibilities of Thai operators setting up offices in Dubai and establishing sales outlets in DMCC’s Gems Club later this year.
“We are moving systematically into the Middle East initially through Dubai in the United Arab Emirates,” observed Khun Vichai. Meanwhile, DMCC has agreed to dispatch experts to disseminate information and data about the gems and jewel markets in the Middle East at the 42nd Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair (BGJF) to be held in the Thai capital from 11 to 15 September 2008. |
|
| Christian Dior announces partnership for customized cell phones targeted for women |
| Christian Dior has announced the finalization of an agreement with Modelabs for the conception, fabrication and distribution of tailor-made Christian Dior cell phones, targeted for the female audience. This light Christian Dior phone will be produced from highly coveted materials such as diamonds (3.251 carats, brilliant cut, VS, very white), sapphire crystal and steel with luminous colours and an ultra-flat electroluminescent key pad. Among the attributes of this phone will be blue tooth and superior technical characteristics. |
 |
|
| Top Diamond Consultant foresees boom for rare diamonds in the Middle East |
 |
Polished diamond prices are likely to be volatile this year due to credit squeeze on largely the middle class wrought by US-led sub prime mortgage crisis and soaring oil prices, but demand for larger, rare diamonds is booming as the number of multi-millionaires grows, according to Martin Rapaport, top international diamond broker and publisher of the Rapaport Diamond Report.
“At the top-end of the market demand for the rarest diamonds is surging as the number of multi-millionaires rises, especially in commodity-rich emerging markets such as the Middle East and other oil-producing countries in Latin America, Africa and the Far East,” said Rapaport in a Reuters interview. |
|
top |
|
| Biggest Middle East Montblanc boutique opened in Kuwait |
 |
The biggest Montblanc boutique was recently inaugurated in Kuwait’s Avenue Complex in partnership with local partner Beidoun Trading Company WLL. Present on this occasion was Zouheir J. Beidoun, Chairman and Jamil Z. Beidoun, Managing Director, Beidoun Trading, HE Dr. Mikhail Forbes, the German Ambassador to Kuwait, Sonke Tornieporth, Vice President, Sales and Joe Nahhas, Regional Brand Director, Montblanc.
“The opening of this Kuwait boutique is yet another milestone in Montblanc’s expansion path in the Middle East,” commented Joe Nahhas. Also gracing the event were Tony Abu Joudeh, noted Arab producer and actor and his wife Carla. Later that evening, a gala reception was hosted at the Kuwait Sheraton for over 300 especially-invited VIP guests and dignitaries. |
|
| Yeslam opens first boutique in the Far East |
Yeslam is set firmly on an expansion spree with the recent opening of its 6th boutique and its first in the Far East in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, after successful openings in Jeddah, Makkah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
The new 125.0 sq. m. lavishly decorated Kuala Lumpur boutique is located in the chic and famous Starhill Gallery. Over 80 high-ranking Malaysian VIPs including elite businessmen, socialites and members of the media converged to the inaugural venue on 8 May 2008 to witness Yeslam’s newest introductions including Swiss-made timepieces. Visitors were received by Ms. Norhayati Mohammed Jan, General Manager and Azam Baharon, Vice President of Yeslam Malaysia |
 |
|
| Victoria Casal established beachhead presence in Middle East |
 |
In partnership with regional distributor SCI (Sabah Chady Investments), Parisian jewellery designer Victoria Casal, has recently established a presence in the Middle East. This is the brand’s first foray in the Middle East, currently retailed in over 15 fashion capitals in Europe, the USA and the Far East. At the launch in Dubai where she was personally present, Victoria Casal, with her trademark passion for pink, unveiled her ‘Hello Kitty’ and other latest collections she initiated. The brand also plans to eventually open a boutique in Kuwait, as part of its Middle East expansion strategy. |
|
| Al Zain announces growth plans |
| Leading Bahrain-headquartered GCC jeweller, Al Zain Jewellery has unveiled its strategic expansion plans for 2008. Accordingly, under the stewardship of its Chairman Nabil Al Zain, the Group plans to be present in all GCC countries by the close of 2009. Al Zain opened two new outlets—one at the Al Rashid Mall in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia and the other in Abu Dhabi’s Al Khalidiya Mall. Plans to open two more stores at the Country Mall and City Centre in the Kingdom of Bahrain by September 2008 are also on the anvil. “We are committed to the region and on the fast track to increase our presence across the GCC within the next two years,” commented Nabil Al Zain in a statement to MPParabia. |
 |
|
| Panerai sponsors Classic Yachts Antigua Regatta 2008 |
 |
As the Official Time Keeper, Premium Italian watch brand Officine Panerai, with a strong sea-faring tradition, recently sponsored the Classic Yachts Annual Regatta 2008 held in the pristine waters off the coast of Antigua in the West Indies. Now in its 21st year, the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta has become a world-class event ranked as one of the top races by yacht owners thanks to the island’s pristine waters, ideal winds and relaxed atmosphere. |
|
| British actor to grace de Grisogono Charity event in London |
| British actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, (who starred in Match Point, Mission Impossible III & Bend it like Beckham), will wear de Grisogono Instrumento Grande cufflinks to the ‘Raisa Gorbacheva Foundation’ (named after the now deceased wife of former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev) fundraising event. He will be accompanied by his fiancée Reena Hammer who will also be wearing de Grisogono. This annual gala will raise funds to help victims suffering from cancer in the UK and Russia. |
 |
|
| Leading UAE watch retailer opens exclusive service centre in Dubai |
 |
The leading UAE watch retailer Oriental Stores has recently opened their exclusive, first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art service centre in Dubai. The 1,000 sq. ft. service facility is located on the ground floor of the Al Khaleej Centre in Bur Dubai and will cater to the retailer’s brand’s–Rado, Tissot, Mido, Odeon and Sarcar. The service centre was inaugurated by Abdullah Al Moosa, Managing Director, Oriental Stores in the presence of Mohammed Al Moosa, Director; Antoine Saad, Brand Manager for Rado in the Middle East, Hazem Sbyteh, Brand Manager for Tissot in the Middle East, other officials from Oriental Stores in the presence of other VIP guests. |
|
top |
|
| Van Cleef & Arpels launches new creations for Alhambra |
 |
Multi-coloured hues define the new Magic Alhambra collection which has unveiled its famous four-leaf clover in a white gold version delicately combining the iridescence of white and grey mother-of-pearl to the elegance of blue chalcedony. For the first time, the Alhambra features the three ‘Between-the-Fingers’ rings that match a large clover motif with a small clover motif either in an all white or white & grey mother-of-pearl version for the Magic Alhambra version and a butterfly motif in tiger’s eye, turquoise or white mother-of-pearl in the Lucky Alhambra version. |
|
| Nautical races ahead with new Yachtimer Style |
| 14 year old, Norwalk, Connecticut-based US watch brand Nautica, has strengthened its premier racing watch—the NST Yachtimer with a sporty, integrated strap and fire red racing details on the reflector ring and pushers. Yachtimer features a 48 mm case size, water resistant to 100 m and a 12-hour alarm with repeat function, a 96-hour chronograph and Swiss movement. |
 |
|
| Tiret launches the two-tone version of ‘Second Chance’ chronograph |
 |
Tiret of New York has created a new combination of two-tone version of ‘Second Chance’. ‘Second Chance’ has 2 chronographs, 2 dates and 2 date windows, 6.0 carat diamond bezel and 2 ETA Calibre quartz movements. The watch has a stainless steel case with 18-carat gold bezel and pushers with white mother-of-pearl dial. |
|
top |
|
| ‘Al Jawahara’ International Watches and Jewellery exhibition to be held in Syria |
 |
The 5th International Watches & Jewellery Exhibition will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in the historical city of Damascus, the Syrian capital at the height of the summer tourism season from 12 to 15 July 2008. The Exhibition is organized by the Damascus-based Al Bajaa Group for International Exhibitions & Conferences. |
|
| 10th Annual GLDA Show concludes successfully in Las Vegas |
| The 10th Annual GLDA gemstones & jewellery trade show held at the Mirage Casino Hotel in Las Vegas from 26 to 29 May 2008 concluded successfully, according to the Show’s Marketing Director, Paul Page. The exhibition attracted exhibitors and visitors from all over the world. The GLDA 2009 show dates are 3 to 8 February in Tucson, Arizona and 25 to 28 May in Las Vegas, Nevada. |
 |
|
| JCK New Delhi 2008 to be staged in July |
 |
JCK New Delhi 2008 will be held in the Indian capital from 5 to 8 July. Organized by Reed Exhibitions, the exhibition offers a strict B2B platform for the country’s top jewellery manufacturers, retailers and stockists. According to the organizers, over 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the exhibition, which is supported by the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of India and the World Gold Council, India. |
|
| Registration opens for 6th Annual Meeting of World Diamond Council in Antwerp |
| Registration has commenced for the 6th Annual Meeting of the World Diamond Council (WDC) which will be held in Antwerp, Belgium on 30 June and 1 July 2008. The meeting’s organizer, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, is enabling participants to register online at www.worlddiamondcouncil.be Among the guests of honour attending will be Karel De Gucht, the Belgian Foreign Minister; Gareth Penny, Managing Director, De Beers and Eli Izhakoff, Chairman, WDC. |
 |
|
| Japan’s first international watch trade show to debut in Tokyo in January 2009 |
 |
The Tokyo International Watch Fair (TWF) will be held concurrently with the International Jewellery Tokyo (IJT), Japan’s largest jewellery fair, for the first time to accommodate the needs of the growing Japanese watch industry from 21 to 24 January 2009. TWF will feature a wide collection of high-end watches, jewellery watches, clocks and related accessories. |
|
top |
|
|
|
 |
Be constantly updated on the latest Watch & Jewellery Business markets of the Middle
East, as well as information on competitors, promotions, product trends, industry
analyses, appointments, new product introductions & developments and market
research.
Our fortnightly
'Arabian Watches & Jewellery Business Newsletter Broadcast’
is distributed to over 7500 industry executives, Watch & Jewellery manufacturers
and distributors, retailers, investors and media consultants globally.
Unsubscribe
Should you wish to remove your e-mail address from the
mailing list, please reply with
UNSUBSCRIBE to newsletter@mpp-me.com.
Submission of News
Current
and topical news that may be of interest to our global reading audience may be sent
to us via e-mail to
info@mpp-me.com or newsletter@mpp-me.com .
Please feel free to send relevant and timely industry information that could be
of interest to a world-wide and trade-focused reading audience.
Open Forum
Readers
are encouraged to share their opinions and their assessment of our website. Please
write to us at
info@mpp-me.com or
newsletter@mpp-me.com to
comment, compliment, criticize or just express an opinion on any topic that relates
to the gold, diamond, gem & jewellery, pens and accessories industries
Visitation
Please
visit us at:
http://www.mpp-me.com.
|
Obtaining our news distribution
If you are aware of anyone who would like and benefit from
our timely trade news dispatch, please have them register for our TradeBroadcast
E-mail service by accessing our web page at
http://www.mpp-me.com Please refrain from forwarding the TradeBroadcast as this would
constitute a violation of our Copyright
Confidentiality
All personal and professional information held by mpparabia.com
will be kept strictly confidential and will not be divulged to any third parties
Important Copyright Notice
The
‘Arabian Watches & Jewellery Business Newsletter Broadcast’
is a service provided to senior industry professionals and business executives,
watch and jewellery manufacturers, retailers, distributors, investors, media and
Public Relations consultants globally. No portion of the text in this newsletter
may be replicated, copied, transferred, redirected, redistributed, recompiled or
published in any form without the express consent of the owners of this site.
Permission
If you wish to use this TradeBroadcast in any manner other
than for information or for your personal reading enjoyment, please send an e-mail
toinfo@mpp-me.com or
newsletter@mpp-me.com |
|
|
|
Disclaimer
|
|
MPParabia has been constituted and operates as a responsible media organization
under the governance of the current press laws of the UAE. Whilst ‘Arabian Watches
& Jewellery Business Newsletter Broadcast’, as a responsible, valuable service
to the trade makes every effort to meticulously provide reliable, verifiable information
reports and developments in the industry in the Middle East and adhere to fair press
regulations, we are not accountable for misinterpretation or inadvertent, unintended,
unforeseen errors that may emerge in the editing and dissemination process or for
reasons beyond our control. Neither MPParabia nor the Management can be held liable
for monetary compensation or legal accountability arising from published information
produced by our editorial team or derived from other business sources.
|