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| September 24, 2008: Volume 2, Issue 9 |
A Message From Bill Boyajian
In light of the recent and ongoing financial challenges that directly affect many countries, and indirectly impacts others, the global economy could also be the answer for some troubled local and regional economies. Indeed, in just the past week, we have seen major cash infusions by a number of central banks to assist certain beleaguered financial markets. That helps to not only boost those markets, but also to provide encouragement for their trading partners and the international markets. The jewelry industry has been global for as long as anyone can remember, so these conditions are particularly important to those who earn their living in this profession. Some countries have occupied larger roles, especially on the consumption side. The U.S., for example, is the world's single-largest consumer of diamonds – more than 40 percent of annual sales, and the health of the U.S. economy is clearly vital to the health of the international gem and jewelry industry. India, China, Russia, and the Gulf region have assumed increasingly larger roles as their economies have prospered, and their growing consumer markets are buying more and more diamonds and jewelry. As major players in the global economy, these countries can provide important business and investment opportunities, and also influence other markets. Not surprisingly, these countries are also part of the dominant trend toward consolidation in the gem and jewelry industry. As I explained to an audience in a recent speaking engagement, there is a fundamental change under way, and it cannot be avoided. To be successful, dealers are becoming manufacturers, manufacturers are becoming retailers, and business leaders and jewelry professionals at all levels are seeking additional ways to maintain their competitiveness, even as they cope with slimmer profit margins. Whether you have been in the jewelry business for a few years or for decades, it is time to take a new look, almost as if you were entering this field for the first time, but with the benefit of your industry knowledge. Assessing your skills and strengths is important, as is studying the industry and your market, including how your products and other aspects of your business compare with your competitors. Thinking innovatively and adapting to changing market conditions are keys to your progress. Have you surveyed your customers lately? A little change, correctly applied, can make a big difference. Sameness will not succeed. Naturally, I think of the World Jewelry Center in all of this, because our vision is to provide a global trading platform for the jewelry industry, and we are making steady progress. Companies that are part of the WJC will benefit from a wide variety of on-site business opportunities. With some 150 companies already signed on, representing every sector of the industry as well as 24 countries on five continents, there is no question that many industry leaders share this vision. Click here to see their names for yourself. The WJC's Las Vegas location also offers many advantages. From the active support of Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, to the involvement of the entire city and county government staff, Las Vegas is a business-friendly city in every sense, and it has special benefits to help businesses. Of particular interest to WJC companies is our designated Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). The duty-deferral aspect of the FTZ is cited by jewelry business leaders as one of their biggest reasons for joining the WJC. Add to that our home in the new Union Park master-planned community, the modern international airport and highway system, and 40 million visitors annually, and it is clear why Las Vegas is the perfect home for the world's newest jewelry marketplace. If you are thinking globally and looking for a way to take your business to the next level, please contact me, and I will explain what the World Jewelry Center can do for you.
World Jewelry Center Company Profile: M. J. Christensen Diamond Centers
That philosophy has guided Miller through a highly successful career in the jewelry industry. After 25 years with the A.A. Friedman Company, based in Augusta, Georgia, Miller translated his experience and expertise into ownership of M.J. Christensen, which has been a Las Vegas jewelry landmark since it opened in 1939. "When I came here in 2000, we set about to reestablish the dominance of the (M.J. Christensen) brand in the valley," he said. "We pride ourselves on being honest and reputable, and taking care of an individual's jewelry, even if it's not from us," said Miller, whose nickname is "the Ace of diamonds." "We're very careful not to violate the bond of trust we have with consumers in the valley. We're taking care of their treasures." Customers at any of the four M. J. Christensen Diamond Centers locations can choose from a veritable who's who of renowned diamond, pearl, watch, and designer jewelry brands. Hearts On Fire, Tycoon, Kwiat, Mikimoto, Omega, Tag Heuer, Franck Muller, Aaron Basha, Damiani, John Hardy, and H. Stern, are some of the top brands the store features, including 32 designer jewelry lines. Miller refers to his customers as guests. "We work to create relationships with our guests when finding a home for a piece of jewelry. We have then created an opportunity to serve them at all levels." M.J. Christensen Diamond Centers is a participating firm in the World Jewelry Center. Commenting on his decision to join, Miller said, "The WJC and Las Vegas will become the epicenter of our industry, and to have an opportunity to be part of the continued evolution of our industry is beyond my wildest imagination." He added, "The WJC will sit as the icon and be the symbol of our move towards future generations." "Cliff Miller and M. J. Christensen Diamond Centers bring a great deal to the World Jewelry Center in both leadership and the outstanding diamond and jewelry products they offer," said WJC Managing Director Bill Boyajian. "Our growing family of international jewelry firms will benefit greatly from Cliff's knowledge of diamonds and his experience in retail jewelry, and he will find important trading partners in the WJC." The company has earned several industry awards. In both 2007 and 2008, M. J. Christensen Diamond Centers was recognized by Harper's Bazaar as a "Jewellery Leader for Excellence in Superior Merchandising and Outstanding Service." Also in 2007, the company received the Platinum Guild International's, Retail Award in the Gone Platinum Awards. Miller also believes in giving back to the community, and M. J. Christensen Diamond Centers contributes to many local charitable organizations, with a primary focus on Opportunity Village and Child Focus. For locations and further information, please visit the company's Web site at www.mjchristensen.com.
Spotlight on Union Park:
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UNION PARK - 2007 YEAR IN REVIEW VEGAS RETAIL ON A ROLL DEAL WITH SKY HIGH POTENTIAL: ANALYSTS SEE POSSIBILITIES IN LAND ACQUIRED WITH TOWER |
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If you would like further information about the World Jewelry Center please visit us at WORLDJEWELRYCENTER.COM or contact: |
Bill Boyajian Jerry Buckley Newsletter and Media Inquiries |
Jane Lynch-Rush Robin Bartolo General Inquiries |
Global economy is a familiar term in the contemporary vocabulary, and although it may have some faults, it still is important in promoting international development through peaceful interaction and trade between nations the world over.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of diamonds and fine jewelry, Cliff Miller, President & CEO of M.J. Christensen Diamond Centers in Las Vegas, understands what is important to maintaining the lifeblood of his business – his customers. "For a lot of people, their jewelry is among the most precious items they'll have in their lifetime, and we want to make sure everything is right," said Miller. 
A privately held national real estate development firm, ACCESS Medical Development is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. ACCESS is currently master-planning a medical office and hotel campus that, together with the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, will anchor the medical/office district of Union Park. 
When the World Jewelry Center (WJC) trade tower opens in Las Vegas near the end of 2011, there will be a large number of Indian companies with offices throughout the building.
The just-concluded 2008 Primetime Emmy Awards marked the event's diamond anniversary, and organizers wanted to present something special to celebrate the occasion, so they called on the diamond experts at Hearts On Fire–a World Jewelry Center participating firm.
