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| Volume 1, Issue 11, November 20, 2007 | |
| A Message from Bill Boyajian | |
 I read an article recently in The New York Times
which described the new phases that have entered the life cycle of
Generation X. According to the author, David Brooks, there used to be
four life phases: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Now,
he says, there are at least six: childhood, adolescence, odyssey,
adulthood, active retirement, and old age.
Of the new ones, odyssey is the least understood. In sum, it is that
wandering stage in life that comes between adolescence and adulthood
which characterizes the changes that have taken place in the children
of the baby-boom generation. There is a seeming lack of direction among
many 20-somethings today that is difficult for those of us in other
generations to understand.
Reading the description of the odyssey phase made me think of the new phase taking shape in our jewelry industry. Years ago, you could set a course to be a dealer, manufacturer, or supplier and pretty much follow your chosen career path for decades. Things moved more slowly. Change certainly occurred, but you had time to adapt to it, adjust your thinking and your business plan, and make moves to enhance your efficiency and profitability. Not so today. There is a sweeping change occurring in the industry that is taking many by storm. In a way, it is like a new phase in the life cycle of a jewelry business. There is a movement downstream by dealers and manufacturers that is shaking the trade to its core. Every year, hundreds of jewelry retailers go out of business - some intentionally, but others unplanned - because the rate of change is simply too fast to allow for ease in adaptability. This phenomenon is not new, but the pace of change has quickened and the fallout from its effects is more dramatic. Gone are the days when you could be a gem dealer for life. You have heard me say before that to survive today, dealers often become manufacturers and manufacturers become retailers. This trend will continue, and more and more traditional jewelers will close down for a variety of reasons, but most especially because it is no longer profitable to operate the way they always have. Many will blame their demise on the Internet, or on big-box stores, or on any number of alternative merchandising formats. But the real problem is their lack of vision for the future and how they can change their business in order to survive. The World Jewelry Center offers a new vision, a new direction, a new life phase to the challenge of running and growing your business today. It is a once-in-a-generation chance to join a select group of industry leaders in a very special venue, with lucrative advantages over other locations. If you are the kind of person who is looking for a new business opportunity, then it's time that you speak with me about what we can do to help you prosper during this challenging period. Being in transition - a kind of odyssey - is not easy. In fact, it's downright difficult. The World Jewelry Center has an answer for you. I encourage you to pick up the phone and call me. It's not too late to get in and set that new direction. I welcome your comments or thoughts on this column, or any questions or comments about the World Jewelry Center. Please e-mail me directly, at bboyajian@worldjewelrycenter.com. |
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| News About World Jewelry Center Participating Firms | New Artist's Rendering of World Jewelry Center Trade Tower Unveiled |
| Elizabeth Taylor Presents Holiday Jewelry
Dame Elizabeth Taylor introduced her holiday jewelry collection from House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc., a WJC participating firm, on November 14 at Gearys in Beverly Hills. The presentation by the famous multiple Academy Award-winning actress attracted an overflow crowd of admirers and a host of news media. Kathy Ireland, who also has a jewelry line with House of Taylor, was on hand for the event as well. GJEPC Honors Kiran Gems Pvt. Ltd., C. Mahendra Exports Ltd. Two WJC participating firms, Kiran Gems Pvt. Ltd. (formerly Kiran Exports) and C. Mahendra Exports Ltd. were honored at the 34th annual Exports Awards, presented October 5 in New Delhi by the Indian Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Shrenuj & Co. Reports Surge in Sales, Profits Shrenuj & Co., a DTC sightholder and WJC participanting company, announced that its net sales increased by 48% to Rs.2,854.06 million ($73 million) on a year-on-year basis, for the second quarter ended September 30, and net profits were valued at Rs. 88.23 million ($2.26 million), an increase of 114%, as compared with the corresponding period last year. [Source: Diamond World] AGS Study of Diamond Illumination Effects Published The American Gem Society Laboratories' research team recently completed a study covering the illumination effects associated with a diamond's beauty. "Evaluation of brilliance, fire and scintillation in round brilliant gemstones," appeared in the September issue of Optical Engineering. AGS is a WJC participating firm. [Source: IDEX online] |
 The
WJC has created a new artist's rendering of the 50-plus story tower
that will be the focal point of the new international market- place for
the gem and jewelry industry in Las Vegas.
Destined to become a landmark edifice in the world-famous entertainment center, the WJC trade tower will contain office condominiums comprising over 700,000 square feet and owned by several hundred companies from around the globe. WJC businesses will have access to grading labs, an educational center, meeting facilities, and exhibition space. There will also be banking facilities, an advanced security system, restaurants, an exclusive private club, and fitness facilities. The top floors will be reserved for some 90 ultra-luxury residential condominiums with a dedicated elevator system. Condominium owners will have a complete array of services available to them in a high-security living-working environment. "We're happy to share this artist's rendering of the World Jewelry Center with everyone in the trade," said WJC Managing Director Bill Boyajian. "With over 100 companies having already reserved their space, the office tower is rapidly being filled with many of the industry's leading companies in every sector of the trade. It will not only be one of the world's most iconic buildings, but also one of the industry's most important." |
Photo caption: A new artist's rendering of the World Jewelry Center office trade tower has been created. |
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| Super Bell Jewelry to Continue Global Growth Through World Jewelry Center | |
 Super
Bell Jewelry (SBJ), one of the first firms to sign a Letter of Intent
to purchase office space in the World Jewelry Center, was founded over
15 years ago by Lo and Bonnie Huang, two equally dynamic and
forward-thinking jewelers.
Overcoming his humble beginnings, Lo Huang emigrated to the United States and has successfully established a global jewelry network. A true rags-to-riches story, Lo Huang epitomizes the meaning of a self-made entrepreneur. Through his astute business sense and outgoing personality, Huang has formed numerous manufacturing partnerships worldwide in developing his business. From a small booth in downtown Los Angeles, SBJ has now become one of the leading suppliers of fine jewelry, watches, and collectibles to retailers in North, Central, and South America. Complementing its vast selection of fashionable jewelry with incomparable customer service and uncompromising workmanship and quality, SBJ began growing rapidly by consistently delivering new designs and high-quality products at competitive prices to independent jewelers. SBJ inaugurated its new headquarters on the 22nd floor of 611 West 6th St., Los Angeles, in December 2003. The company also secured prime booth locations at all major trade shows in North America and Hong Kong to better serve its customers. Commenting on his decision to procure space in the World Jewelry Center, Huang said, "Super Bell recognizes that Las Vegas has developed into one of the premier 'destination points' worldwide, and especially in North America. We believe that this image will only continue to grow. We are excited about getting in on the ground floor of the World Jewelry Center and solidifying our position as a truly global company." WJC Managing Director Bill Boyajian said, "Lo Huang demonstrated great vision and leadership in developing his highly successful business, and the same is true of his decision to become part of the World Jewelry Center, as one of our earliest participating firms. Super Bell, with its diverse, high-quality jewelry products, will be a most welcome addition to the World Jewelry Center." Super Bell recently introduced a new brand called MELODEE, designed to provide retail jewelers with a wide selection of popular jewelry at a reasonable price. Super Bell also supplies jewelers with marketing and collateral materials to support these products. SBJ now serves as a trusted supplier and advisor to its customers with a great focus on quality, service, and dependability. |
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Photo caption: Super Bell Jewelery, which was founded by Lo Huang (photo above) and his wife, Bonnie, has become one of the leading suppliers of jewelry, watches, and collectibles in North, Central, and South America. (Photo courtesy of Super Bell.) |
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| WJC Announces Global Events, Visits Through Year's End | McCarran Airport Sets All-Time Record; More Growth Predicted; Las Vegas Retail Space Scarce |
 World
Jewelry Center representatives will be traveling the globe over the
next several weeks to participate in trade shows and visit jewelry
business leaders. Please contact a WJC representative for a personal
presentation in any of the following locations.
China November 28-29 - China International Diamond Conference, Shanghai, China; Click here to schedule an appointment. New York December 3-5 - New York - NCCJ Dinner, December 3; Annual Meeting of the Twenty-Four Karat Club of the City of New York, December 4. For an appointment, click here. Israel December 17-20 - Israel - WJC repre- sentatives will be in Ramat Gan, during this period. Please click here to schedule an appointment. India December 20-21, Mumbai; Click here for an appointment. December 22-25 - Jaipur Jewellery Show, Jaipur, India. Click here for the show's Web site. For an appointment, click here. |
 Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport set a record for passengers in August, after setting an all-time record in July, according to an In Business Las Vegas article (Oct. 5-11 issue).
McCarran had 4.28 million passengers in August, an increase of 6 percent over the same month in 2006. It was also the fifth month this year in which there were more than 4 million passengers for the month. In related news, In Business Las Vegas also reports (Oct. 26-Nov. 1 issue) that a Colorado-based aviation consulting group predicts McCarran Airport will be the third-fastest-growing major U.S. airport in the next five years as a result of continued growth in the city's mega-resorts, such as MGM Mirage's CityCenter and Boyd Gaming's Echelon. Retail Space Scarce in Las Vegas Retail space is hard to find in Las Vegas, according to an article in the Las Vegas Review-Journal (Nov. 3) discussing a report by C.B. Richard Ellis. According to the report, the strong demand for retail space in Las Vegas matches the city's steady increase in population (about 6,000 new residents each month). The Las Vegas retail vacancy rate is about 4.5 percent, one of the five lowest in the U.S. Other factors influencing the steady growth of retail development in Las Vegas are the rapid expansion of industry and employment opportunities. |
Photo caption: WJC representatives will be available for personal presentations in several global locations over the next several weeks. |
Photo caption: McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas recently set a record for passengers, and its growth is predicted to continue. (Photo courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau) |
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 |
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| If you would like further information, about the World Jewelry Center please click here or contact: | |
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Bill Boyajian
Jerry Buckley
Jane Lynch-Rush
Robin Bartolo |
Corporate and Sales Offices: |
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| 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. | |