2nd Edition, 2011

Georgia Gems
.
A Publication of the Georgia Jewelers Association
Georgia Jewelers Association, 5815 Fairwood Walk, Acworth GA, 30101
Phone: 770-424-7567
Dear Georgia Jewelers,
I hope this newsletter finds your year going well. With
the price of precious metals near record highs, there
continues to be a lot of activity in the buying and
selling of gold, silver and coins. You would think after
two years of constant reminders of metal prices that
everyone would be aware by now of their value. Be
your community's precious metal expert and advisor.
Who else is more trusted and connected to those
markets?
Our joint convention with Alabama in March at
Lakepoint State Park was perfect timing for a much
needed spring break. Hearing new ideas and
perspectives at the convention was a benefit to all
who attended. Brad Huisken of IAS Training delivered
a fun and motivational seminar about powerful ways
to maximize store traffic while increasing sales and
profits. Bill Warren of Marketing Systems, and fellow
jeweler from North Carolina, shared his musical
talent, as well as ideas for creating dynamic
promotions and in-store events. The Quick Connect,
or speed dating for jewelers, was a lot of fun and a
great meet and greet activity.
The Georgia Jewelers Design Contest was once
again a great showcase of the talent we have in the
state. Congratulations to all the 2011 winners.
Jewelers for Children was the beneficiary of the Texas
Hold 'Em Poker Tournament, sponsored by
Southeastern Findings. I lasted more than two hands
this year, but still did not win. Wait 'til next year! We
raised $600 in the poker tournament and $235 at the
Saturday night cocktail reception from donations for
the light up JFC pins. Additional funds were raised
from the sale of raffle tickets for the Make a Wish
Foundation. Jan Fergerson headed that raffle and
sent the Alabama-Georgia Make a Wish office a
check for $900! Through the great support we
received from the attendees, we raised $1,735 for
the two charities well exceeding our goal.
Fax: 770-424-9438
My sincere thanks go out to all
who contributed to the
success of the convention,
including our sponsors, without
whom the convention would
be impossible. Please show
these sponsors your
appreciation by supporting
them, as they have invested
in us. And, as always, I would
like to thank Judy Lince for her
tireless work for our Georgia
Jewelers Organization.
Fondly,
John Reed
GJA President
JWR Jewelers, Athens
sending thoughts for a speedy recovery
to John, who had surgery to repair the thumb he
broke while covering home plate in a church
soft ball game. He got the out!
Note:
Welcome
Welcome to our newest associate members
Darrin Davis, Stafford, TX, Eastern Lighting
Kathy Bracket, Columbus, MS, A & Z Hayward
Bill Harrison, Columbus, MS, Ashi Diamonds
Michael McTeigue, New York, McTeigue Since
1895
And Welcome to our newest retail member
Hodges Jewelry Co, Camilla, Georgia, owner Joy
Mobley
2nd Quarter 2011 /Georgia Gems/1
Executive Officers
2010-2011 GJA Board
President, John Reed, JWR JEWELERS, Athens
Vice-President, Jan Fergerson, FORD, GITTINGS & KANE
JEWELERS, Rome
Secretary-Treasurer, Tim Haney, HANEY JEWELRY CO., Rome
Immediate Past President; Eddie Knox, KNOX JEWELERS, Atlanta
Board of Directors
Joel Jossey BROWN JEWELERS, Blakely
Ben Whidby, WHIDBY JEWELERS, Madison
Raymond Wilson, DAVIS JEWELERS AND FINE GIFTS,
Donalsonville
Paxton Morris, GIRARDIN JEWELERS, Valdosta
Bill Spencer, SPENCER JEWELERS, Athens
Jana Barry, EDWARD JOHNS JEWELERS, Marietta
Debbie Jackson, TENA'S JEWELRY & GIFTS, Washington
Bill Rosenfeld, ROSENFELD JEWELERS, Tucker
Associate Directors
800-621-1162
F 212-768-8657
Ken Williams
Cell: 516-425-2042
Bill Adams, WILLIAM ADAMS & ASSOCIATES
Gene Lambert, SIMON GOLUB & SONS
Jeff Unger, ALISA DESIGNS/B&N JEWELRY
Rhett Hartzog, Independent Rep
th
th
42 W 48 st. 15 floor
New York, NY 10036
ken@IDDNY.com
www.iddjewelry.com
Georgia Jewelers Association
Executive Director: Judy Lince
5815 Fairwood Walk
Acworth, GA 30101
(Phone)770-424-7567 (Fax) 770-424-7567
judylince@comcast.net
http://www.georgiajewlers.org
Condolences
Publication & Distribution
Georgia Gems is owned and operated solely by the Georgia
Jewelers Association, an association not for profit, headquartered in GJA board member Bill Spencer's mother. Eva L.
Georgia. The newsletter is published four times per year. Each
Spencer, 92, of Athens, passed away Sunday, April 24,
edition is mailed to over 300 GJA members plus other individuals
2011. Bill told us at SJTA that she was failing. I am sure
and companies who support the association.
Published Quarterly
1stnd Quarter
2rd Quarter
3th quarter
4 Quarter
Deadline for Receipt of
Advertising Copy
February
May
August
November
15
15
15
15
the entire membership of GJA joins the board in
sending condolences to Bill and Ann and their children
Chris and Kimberly.
2011 Calendar of Events
Articles in this newsletter reflect the opinions of the attributed author
May 31-June 6 Luxury by JCK Las Vegas
and not that of the association. Except as indicated, neither the
newsletter nor the association endorses any product or service
Mandalay Bay
advertised or noted herein, or is responsible for accompanying
statements or claims.
June 3-6 JCK Vegas Las Vegas Mandalay Bay
Georgia Gems, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse any
article or advertisement which it deems, for any reason whatsoever, July 24-26 JA Show NY
to be inappropriate. Requests for reprint articles with credit should
be addressed to the executive director.
July 30-August 3 IJO Grapevine, TX
Change of address should be sent to the GJA headquarters location
above. Georgia Gems, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to run
ad material on hand if material not received by copy deadline date. August 6-8 SJTA Atlanta Jewelry Show
This publication is produced by the executive director and the board August 7 SJTA Board meeting
of the Georgia Jewelers Association. Design and layout by Michael
Berg.
August 13-15 RJO Indianapolis, IN
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Thank you to our
Convention Sponsors
Jewelers Mutual
The Fallaize family has been helping
Georgians navigate the maze of insurance,
loss prevention and security since 1959.
As members of the Georgia Jewelers and
Southern Jewelers Travelers Association
for over 30 years we are here when you
need us.
770-242-8842
www.fallaize.com
754 Holcomb Bridge Rd.
Norcross, GA 30071
NTR Metals
Stuller
Atlanta Jewelry Show
Darling Imports
Southeastern Findings/Namano
William Adams & Ass.
Fallaize Insurance
JCK Las Vegas
Judy Carter & Ass.
Star Gems
Rhett Hartzog
Eastern Lighting
John Rowlett
Ashi/ Bill Harrison
2nd Quarter 2011 /Georgia Gems/4
2nd Quarter 2011 /Georgia Gems/5
Convention Golf Tournament
Held annually during the convention this year's
10
golf tournament was celebrated during the
Saturday evening banquet. The winning
foursome each received a Bulova watch
courtesy of the Bulova Company. With Georgia
golf chair Gene Lambert (l to r) are Adam
Schaper, Renee Singer, Mike Fallaize and Doug
Davis Jewelers Storm Damage
Over night Monday April 4 saw a huge storm pass over Davis
Jewelers in Donalsonville. Raymond Wilson reports that the
ferocious winds took the A frame roof right off the building. Water
damage was limited as the original flat roof under the A frame
roof was intact but damaged. The store sustained water
damage as well as merchandise damage when tiles from the
ceiling knocked giftware merchandise and glass shelving down.
“We were lucky to have the old roof in place so the damage
was less than it could have been” said GJA board member Wilson. “We were without power at the
store for 8 days. We called restoration experts Servpro right after it happened and they brought in a
generator and worked non stop to minimize the damage. They did a fabulous job and could not
have been more professional.” While Servpro was at the store Wilson said all he had to do was
“watch the door”.
Wilsons home, about six miles away, was thankfully unaffected and did not get near as much rain
and wind that day. Unfortunately, lightning struck across the street from the store and four businesses
were burned out. Wilson feels pretty lucky now that the final clean up is finished. He wants to make
sure that GJA members will think of Servpro if they ever have a catastrophe at their home or business.
2nd Quarter 2011 /Georgia Gems/6
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Driver's education for jewelers
Before changing lanes: Adjust mirrors, signal and check for thieves?
While you're on your way to the post office, you might not think twice about making a rest stop en route. Thieves, however,
may be stalking you and waiting for just that opportunity. Leaving a vehicle unattended with jewelry inside is an open
invitation to thieves. In a matter of moments, thieves can pop trunks, break locks or smash windows. Once thieves have
made their way inside your car, your jewelry line is history.
This isn't just sound advice for traveling salespeople. Thieves will pay attention to anyone leaving your jewelry store with a
package that could potentially be carrying jewelry. That's why Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company offers several tips to
help you avoid theft from your vehicle. Often, it's the little things that can save you and your jewelry line. The best advice is
never to leave your merchandise unattended stay in or with your vehicle at all times. For example, if you're at a gas
station, pay at the pump using your credit card. If you must leave your vehicle, take your line with you.
Thieves are smart. Many times, they know you and your business well before they attack. That means you need to be
cautious no matter where or how you travel. For instance, a trip to the post office could be just as dangerous as anywhere
else! It's best to protect yourself from harm anytime you leave your store.
So, how can you minimize your risk of a loss or harm?
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- Never leave jewelry unattended. Theft of unattended merchandise accounts for 23% of total offpremises losses.
- Be aware. Watch for people casing your store or following you.
- Keep the amount of jewelry you're carrying manageable.
- Stay alert and pay strict attention to every detail along your route.
- Don't stop along the way. Avoid isolated areas.
- Don't fall for distractions.
- Before getting in, walk completely around your vehicle and visually inspect the tire pressure each and every
time you plan to drive.
- Carry a fully charged cell phone at all times, programmed with emergency phone numbers. Don't
chat on your cell phone while driving. Pay attention and watch for people following your car.
It's easy to feel a false sense of security about leaving your line unattended in a vehicle that is equipped with an assembly
line installed electronic vehicle alarm, but effective vehicle protection consists of layers of electronic and physical
protection. Don't assume your factory-installed vehicle alarm provides adequate protection. Factory-installed vehicle
alarms are designed to 'unnerve' would-be thieves by emitting a loud audible signal that someone unauthorized has
either bumped or is breaking into the vehicle. This audible alarm may deter some thieves, but it will not stop most!
Finally, in the event that you do suffer a loss from an unattended vehicle, stick with the truth when filing a police report.
Extensive investigations, attendant to large jewelry losses, have resulted in the detection of false reports with severe
consequences. If an unattended vehicle loss occurs, report the facts accurately to the best of your recollection.
As the leading insurer of jewelry in the nation, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company has plenty of experience analyzing
jewelry crimes and using that insight to educate policyholders about safety measures. As such, Jewelers Mutual has
created an online training course titled Danger on the Road. Free to everyone in the jewelry industry, this online course is
easy to access all you need is a computer and internet access! Visit www.JMUniversity.com today to learn more about
safety and security for you and your business.
2nd Quarter 2011 /Georgia Gems/8
2011 Convention Photos
March 25-27
How about a little breakfast with that
Jan Fergerson presents the Make A Wish
Watching the sun set over Lake Eufaula
seminar!
Raffle for fabulous prizes
from the hospitality cottage
Speaker Bill Warren opens his seminar in
Always popular round table
So many awesome door prizes!
“ fine tune”
Speaker Bill Warren, DDJ (Doctor of
Three generations from Edward-Johns
Dynamic Jewelr y)
Jewelers, Marietta
Ray & Linda Dubose
Earl & Kathy Butler
AJA past president Don Lowe connects quickly
with Stuller ’s Jason LeMarie
Quick Connect…Speed Dating for Jewelers
Doug Johnson (L), Gemvision with AL retailer
Ed LaFontaine and Stuller ’s Jason LeMarie
Johnny Cantrel & Janice Nichols
Whitney Lince rings the bell for Quick Connect
as Kathy Beall oversees
2nd Quarter 2011 /Georgia Gems/9
2011 Design Competion
Tena's Fine
Diamonds and
Jewelry took two
special awards in
the March 27,
2011 Georgia
Jewelers Jewelry
design competition
Convention attendees vote for
with one piece. Held
Peoples Choice award
during the annual
convention the design competition at Sunday's
lunch is an annual event for all in attendance to
enjoy.
Past winner Mikeil Kautengzhi of Tena's took
home both the coveted Best of Show and
Peoples Choice awards with a 14ywg Carneilian,
Chatham Rubies, Synthetic Emeralds, Tsavorite
Garnet, and Yellow Diamond Ring. His piece will
be entered in the 2012 Torch Awards design
competition hosted by the Atlanta Jewelry Show
next spring at the Cobb Galleria.
Other winning entries are pictured here. All
members of GJA, their employees and students
sponsored by the member stores are invited to
participate.
BEST OF SHOW and PEOPLES
CHOICE Award Winner
Mikeil Kautengzhi / Tena's Fine Diamonds and
Jewelry
14ywg Carneilian, Chatham Rubies, Synthetic
Emeralds, Tsavorite Garnet, and Yellow
Diamond Ring
Alabama Jewelers simultaneously hosted their
annual competition as well as a student
exhibition from Bishop State College's jewelry
design program.
Category 1a - First Place
Mikeil Kautengzhi / Tena's Fine
Diamonds and Jewelry
!4yg Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise
Earrings
Category 1a - Second Place
Johnny Johnson / EdwardJohns Jewelers
Sterling Silver Fish Pendant
w/sapphire eye
Category 1B - First Place
Johnny Johnson / EdwardJohns Jewelers
Sterling Silver Cats Eye
Rutilated Quartz and Yellow
Diamond pendant
2nd Quarter 2011 /Georgia Gems/10
Georgia Jewelers Association
Jewelry Design Competition 2011 Winners
Category 2 - First Place
Johnny Johnson / EdwardJohns Jewelers
14KYG Rainbow Hematite,
Sapphire, and Diamond
Pendant
Category 2 - Second Place
Jana Barry / Edward-Johns
Jewelers
14KYG Spessartite Garnet
and Diamond Pendant
Category 3 - First Place
Mikeil Kauntenzhi / Tena's Fine
Diamond and Jewelry
Platinum and 18kyg Diamond
and Emerald Ring
Torch Awards Competition
Announces Winners
Category 3 - Second Place
Paul Henriques / JWR Jewelers
14kwyg Pink Tourmaline, Pink
Sapphire and Diamond Pendant
Georgia's very own 2010 state design competition
winner Johnny Johnson took home the People's
Choice Award in the first ever Torch Awards. SJTA
sponsored the multi state competition held during
the March show at the Cobb Galleria. Congrats to
Johnny and to all the winners.
Let's hope the Peoples Choice Award will grow
larger and stronger with each year. Thanks to the
Atlanta Jewelry show for sponsoring and hosting the
event to be held during the spring show.
2nd Quarter 2011 /Georgia Gems/11
Georgia Gems
.
A Publication of the Georgia Jewelers Association
This is a Great
Spot for Your Ad!
1846 Cheshire Bridge Road
Atlanta, GA 30324
800-343-2515 toll free
404-873-2515 local
404-873-4581 fax
Georgia Jewelers Association
5815 Fairwood Walk
Acworth, GA 30101
2nd Quarter 2011 /Georgia Gems/12