 |
|
 |
|
| Volume 1, Issue 9, September 11, 2007 | |
| A Message from Bill Boyajian | |
 Anniversaries
are often special occasions. The term “anniversary” is perhaps most
associated with the date of a marriage, but it also applies to any
event or accomplishment that someone wants to commemorate. As the
number of anniversaries increases, so does their perceived importance,
thus the 25th is called “silver,” the 50th is known as “golden,” and
the 60th is the “diamond” jubilee anniversary.
We at the World Jewelry Center have reached our first anniversary. We are celebrating not only that, but also two achievements that hold much significance for the future of this remarkable project, and make this occasion even more memorable. First, when the WJC got under way, we established a goal to have signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) for at least 25 percent of the available space in the office trade tower within the first year. We reached that goal ahead of schedule, as awareness of the WJC grew throughout the industry, and gem and jewelry leaders from around the world began to anoint Las Vegas as the next great hub of industry activity and commerce. I invite you to review the names of our participating firms, which include many of the industry’s most successful diamond, gem, and jewelry dealers and organizations. We then took that accomplishment a big step further by signing nearly 100 companies to LOIs, which represents one third of the total space available for purchase in the trade tower. There is still a great deal ahead of us in making this great vision a reality. But just as anyone who celebrates an anniversary reflects on its meaning, we are pausing to note how far we have come in just 12 months, and to congratulate the companies and organizations who now have a stake in the WJC and are part of our growth. A project of this magnitude can only succeed through a team effort. We are fortunate that Robert Zarnegin, President and CEO of Probity International, and the mastermind behind the WJC, has assembled a highly experienced group of professionals to create the complex elements required to finalize the design-development aspects of the WJC. We are also carefully considering the requests and needs of the business owners who will operate in the WJC, so they will have every convenience and advantage that we can provide. In the coming weeks and months, I will be visiting quite a few countries and major trade shows, along with our sales team. And, we will be offering presentations in several important locations: Los Angeles, Bangkok, and Idar-Oberstein, among others. Please plan to attend if you are in the area. You can also contact us at info@worldjewelrycenter.com to schedule a presentation, either in person, or via the Internet. Maybe you can be part of the World Jewelry Center’s second anniversary celebration at a time when we prepare to break ground on what we believe will be the greatest jewelry complex on the globe. |
|
| News About WJC Participating Companies | WJC Company Profile: TYCOON, Inc. |
| Super Bell Jewelry,
one of the first companies to sign a Letter of Intent to purchase space
in the World Jewelry Center, announced it will start a new jewelry
brand called “Melodee,” which will include a variety of popular jewelry
items. The company said it will provide marketing and promotional
materials to assist sellers. (Source: JCK online.)
House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc., a World Jewelry Center participant, reported that net sales for its second quarter ended June 30, 2007 nearly doubled to $4.8 million from $2.5 million in the prior-year period, reflecting increased sales of the company's Elizabeth™ and Kathy Ireland™ Jewelry branded products, and loose diamonds sales of $3.5 million. (Source: House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc.) The International Gemological Institute (IGI) recently began a two-week International Professional Jewelry Design Program in Dubai, in conjunction with the Dubai Gold & Jewelry Group. The course includes basic illustration, diamond and gemstone sizing, and gold karat calculations. (Source, ADL online.) A participating firm in the World Jewelry Center, IGI also opened a diamond jewelry certification lab in Kolkata, India. IGI has two labs in Mumbai. The lab will certify diamonds set in jewelry and offer courses for gem and jewelry enthusiasts, starting with a polished diamond grading course. (Source: IDEX online.) The first Rapaport Guaranteed and Certified Diamond Auction will be held September 17–20, 2007. It will mark the historic first step in the process of creating a diamond futures market based on monthly transaction prices. Rapaport is a World Jewelry Center participant. Click here for details. (Source: Rapaport news online.) Goldman Sachs Investments and UBS Securities have bought a combined 6.28 percent stake in Mumbai-based diamond and jewelry manufacturer Shrenuj & Co., Ltd., also a World Jewelry Center participating firm. Goldman Sachs bought 2 million Shrenuj shares at INR 42.50 (about $1) per share giving it a 3.19 percent equity stake in Shrenuj. Similarly, UBS Securities took a 3.09 percent share in the company when it purchased 1.936 million shares for INR 42.50 each. (Source: Rapaport news online.) Hearts On Fire, a World Jewelry Center participant, announced the opening of a Hearts On Fire retail store in the new Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel, the world's largest casino hotel and premier shopping experience. "The Venetian is bringing an energy and enthusiasm to Macao that epitomizes Hearts On Fire, making this the perfect location and retail environment to support our brand," said Glenn Rothman, CEO of Hearts On Fire. (Source: Hearts On Fire.) |
 When
Emmy Awards fans scanned the Red Carpet searching for their favorite
stars at last season’s event, all the sparkles they saw were not just
in the eyes of the actors. The brilliance also came from reflections
from Tycoon Cut diamonds worn by celebrities such as Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives, Maria Menounos of Access Hollywood, and Lindsey Stratton.
The Tycoon Cut diamond was created in 1999 by Toros and Toros Z. Kejejian, the owners and co-founders of TYCOON, Inc., a World Jewelry Center participating company. They founded the firm in Los Angeles in 1987, three years after emigrating to the U.S. from Lebanon, where they worked and learned the trade in their family’s three-generation jewelry business. Tycoon holds four U.S. patents for its designs, including the Tycoon Cut diamond, which was introduced to the jewelry industry in March 2000. The Tycoon Cut is distinguished by its nine crown facets, which greatly increase brilliance, 20 step-cut pavilion facets, and its signature diamond-shaped table, which gave rise to the tagline, “The only diamond with a diamond on top.” The Tycoon Cut is recognized by the Gemological Institute of America as a distinct new cutting style. Boosted by the popularity of the Tycoon Cut diamond, the company has grown to be a leader and innovator in luxury bridal, fashion, and watch design. With locations in North America, Europe, and Asia, the company is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Commenting on the decision to become part of the World Jewelry Center, Tycoon, Inc. President Toros Kejejian said, “The Foreign Trade Zone, and the absence of corporate and personal income taxes in Nevada were the two main reasons that we decided to purchase space in the World Jewelry Center.” “As one of the first firms to sign a Letter of Intent, Tycoon demonstrated great confidence in the vision of the World Jewelry Center early on, and that has been validated by the scores of companies that have followed,” said World Jewelry Center Managing Director Bill Boyajian. “With innovative and beautiful jewelry products – especially the remarkable Tycoon Cut diamond – and forward-looking leadership from the Kejejian cousins, this company is a great example of what the World Jewelry Center is all about.” |
Photo caption: (From left): Toros Z. Kejejian, CEO of TYCOON, Inc., Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, and TYCOON, Inc. President Toros Kejejian met at the World Jewelry Center launch event in October 2006. |
|
| ICA to Establish Headquarters in World Jewelry Center | |
 The
International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has signed a Letter of
Intent to purchase space in the World Jewelry Center, where it plans to
establish the organization’s new global headquarters. ICA Executive Director Barbara Lipatapanlop said the search for a location has been thorough. "We at ICA have been considering for some time a place for a permanent home for our head office. This is not an easy task, as our members are located in 46 countries around the world, so it is important for us to keep an international perspective in everything we do.” “It was obvious early on that the World Jewelry Center would meet our needs, as we saw firms from all over the world signing on with the project, including some of our members who will have office and retail space at WJC,” she added. Lipatapanlop said the ICA will gain a number of benefits from being part of the World Jewelry Center and its Las Vegas location. “For our members not located at the WJC, we believe they will welcome the opportunity to visit us there. Over the past few months we have learned of the advantages of being located in Las Vegas, and we can envision what the WJC will mean to the industry once it up and running. “I personally love the trade shows where you walk around bumping into people you know at every turn. I am excited at the prospect of seeing this happen on a daily basis at WJC.” World Jewelry Center Managing Director Bill Boyajian said, “The ICA’s global diversity and perspective make it a perfect fit for the World Jewelry Center, and we are especially pleased to welcome this great organization to our fast-growing family of companies. With the American Gem Society and Gemological Institute of America already on board, the addition of the ICA is another strong indicator of the widespread support for the vision of the World Jewelry Center.” Lipatapanlop added, “Networking is such an important part of our industry, and I feel that being located in the WJC will provide more opportunities for meeting people, and that can only be beneficial towards future collaborations. And of course, having Bill Boyajian heading up this new venture gives us the utmost confidence in its success." The nonprofit ICA is the only worldwide body created specifically to benefit the global colored gemstone industry. ICA was founded in 1984, and it now has over 500 gemstone dealers, cutters, and miners worldwide who are devoted to advancing and promoting the knowledge and appreciation of colored gemstones. “Over the years ICA has provided direct access to the source for colored gemstones and related information. There is no other national or international organization with the same collective access to, and knowledge about, all levels of the colored gemstone industry,” said Lipatapanlop. |
|
Photo caption: ICA Executive Director Barbara Lipatapanlop said the International Colored Gemstone Association will establish its headquarters in the World Jewelry Center. (Photo courtesy of ICA.) |
|
| Council Approves Sports Arena Near Union Park; Marriott Buys Parcel Across From Convention Center | Christine Webb to Lead Development of WJC Museum Experience |
| Michigan-based REI Neon Group
has been selected by Las Vegas City Council over three competitors to
build a $500-million sports arena as part of an 85-acre mixed use
project valued at $9.5 billion at Main Street and Charleston Boulevard,
according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The site is close to Union Park, home of the World Jewelry Center. The sports arena, previously reported to be planned as a 22,000-seat facility, will be built with an eye toward attracting a National Basketball Association or National Hockey League franchise. The report adds that George Postolos, former president and CEO of the NBA's Houston Rockets, has joined REI's team. REI will meet with NBA executives on Friday about their plans, he said. Postolos was a special assistant to David Stern in the late 1990s. Postolos believes the project can happen with a combination of property tax rebates and bonds against future sales tax revenue created by the project. REI will be required to put down a $1 million deposit with the city once the development agreement is executed. The Review-Journal quotes Las Vegas city Councilman Gary Reese, whose ward includes the 85-acre project, as saying, "This is one of the biggest steps I've been involved in since I came to City Hall. This will be a connector” (between the Strip and the city's 61-acre Union Park and downtown.) Please click here to read the entire article. Marriott International bought 10.6 acres on Paradise Road, across from the Las Vegas Convention Center for $186 million, according to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The report says Marriott plans to build an upscale Marriott Marquis hotel on the property. A developer who built the nearby Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel said the area around the convention center does not have hotel designed for the full range of services convention-goers receive at hotels like the Venetian. According to the Review-Journal report, under the name MRC1 Funding Corp., Marriott bought the 1.35-acre Beach site for $24.75 million in 2006, according to GlobeSt.com. The fund acquired the 6.5-acre site of Residence Inn by Marriott at Paradise and Desert Inn for $65 million, along with a shuttered apartment complex on less than an acre for $8.75 million. A transaction to acquire Marriott Suites on Convention Center Drive for $87.5 million is expected to close this month. Please click here to read the full article. |
 The
World Jewelry Center (WJC) has retained industry veteran Christine Webb
to head the development of the museum experience that will be a
featured part of the WJC’s retail center.
Webb is a graduate of Penn State University, where she earned a B.S. degree in geology. She is also a Graduate Gemologist from GIA. She has more than 20 years experience in the gem and jewelry industry, including positions ranging from sales manager to gemologist/appraiser to gemologist/consultant, for firms such as Tiffany & Co., Nova International, and Nordstrom. For many years, Webb has been a curatorial assistant and contractor with the Smithsonian Institution. She served as project coordinator for the Smithsonian’s popular Allure of Pearls exhibit in 2005, and also worked on other Smithsonian projects, such as the Gem Hall renovation and “The National Gem Collection” book. “I’m thrilled to be involved with the WJC,” she said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of something very special – an international gem and jewelry marketplace that is the first of its kind in the U.S., with a world-class retail center, featuring a museum and beautiful exhibit space.” Webb added, “It’s exciting to be working with a talented group of professionals to develop the vision of the World Jewelry Center museum experience with exciting, innovative exhibits that highlight gems and jewelry and educate the public while promoting the jewelry industry.” WJC Managing Director Bill Boyajian said, “I am delighted to find someone who has such expertise in this field to direct the development of this important part of the World Jewelry Center. Chris’ extensive experience and education in gemology and jewelry, along with her excellent work with the Smithsonian, make her uniquely qualified to lead this project.” Boyajian said the concept of the WJC’s museum is to provide an independent attraction to help draw the public’s attention to the retail center, and to be an educational tool and a link to the local community, as well as an experience that provides entertainment and excitement for Las Vegas visitors. |
Photo caption: Industry veteran Christine Webb has been retained to lead the development of the WJC museum experience. |
|
Vegas Retail on a Roll
Deal with sky high potential: Analysts see possibilities in land acquired with tower
Charlie Palmer hotel-condo planned for Union Park
City green-lights tax break for Las Vegas Premium Outlets |
|
| If you would like further information, about the World Jewelry Center please click here or contact: | |
|
Bill Boyajian
Jerry Buckley
Jane Lynch-Rush |
Corporate and Sales Offices: |
 |
|
| The World Jewelry CenterSM is owned and developed by Heritage Nevada VIII, LLC, a single purpose entity. Heritage Nevada VIII, LLC reserves the right to change concepts, prices, features, amenities, and dimensions at its sole discretion and without notice. Models do not reflect racial preference. You have received this email because you chose to receive email and other communications from us. This email is commercial in nature and may contain advertising materials for the World Jewelry Center. We adhere to all state and federal anti-spam laws. To unsubscribe, please click on the link below. Contact Info: World Jewelry Center, 421 North Beverly Drive, Suite 350, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Feel free to review our TERMS OF USE and PRIVACY POLICY. © World Jewelry Center 2007. | |