Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. (“Peregrine” or “the Company”) /quotes/zigman/35764 CA:PGD -1.35% is pleased to report that it has completed the purchase of BHP Billiton’s 51 percent participating interest in the 8,580 square kilometre Chidliak diamond project (“Chidliak” or “the Project”), Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada that was announced on December 20, 2011. The purchase gives Peregrine 100 percent ownership of Chidliak, providing its shareholders with all the benefits of the potentially economic diamond discoveries made to date and continued exposure to the Project’s exceptional exploration upside. As part of the transaction, Peregrine also acquired BHP Billiton’s Canadian diamond exploration database that was compiled over a ten year period at considerable expense and effort. The database contains data from 38,000 kimberlite indicator mineral samples covering an area of approximately three million square kilometres and will give Peregrine a valuable advantage in achieving one of its goals, the discovery of Canada’s next diamond district.

Under the terms of the agreement, BHP Billiton will retain a two percent royalty on mineral production from Chidliak with Peregrine having the right to match any offer by a third party to purchase any of the royalty, should BHP Billiton decide to sell. In addition, Peregrine will pay BHP Billiton a total of CAD$9 million over three years starting with $1.5 million which was paid at closing and $2.5 million which will be paid on January 31st of 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Peregrine is also pleased to announce that Mr. Tom Peregoodoff has joined the Company as Executive Vice President, Business Development.

Mr. Peregoodoff has over 25 years of mining and petroleum industry experience, including 18 years with BHP Billiton. Since 2008 he was Vice President, Early Stage Exploration and was accountable for global early-stage exploration activities across all commodities. He was a member of the Minerals Exploration Executive Committee that set long term strategy and direction for BHP Billiton’s Mineral Exploration division. Prior to this he held several senior roles in BHP Billiton’s exploration division in commercial, operational and technical capacities, including Commercial Manager, Diamonds. He was a Director of a number of BHP Billiton owned entities and has extensive global exploration, operations and business development experience. Mr. Peregoodoff holds a BSc. in Geophysics from the University of Calgary.

Commenting on Mr. Peregoodoff’s appointment and the closing, Peregrine’s CEO, Mr. Eric Friedland, said, “I have known Tom professionally for almost ten years. In fact, it was he and I that created the exploration concept in 2004 between BHP Billiton and Peregrine that led to the Chidliak diamond discovery. Tom is a highly experienced and consummate professional and we are fortunate to have an exploration executive of his calibre become part of one of the world’s strongest diamond development teams. This is the beginning of a new era for Peregrine as 100 percent owner of Chidliak, and Tom’s decision to join our Company, along with BHP Billiton’s acceptance of a royalty on future mineral production from the Project, is attestation to the real potential of Chidliak becoming Baffin Island’s first diamond mine.”

Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond mining and exploration company focused on West Africa, provides initial bulk sampling diamond grade results from the Lion-5 kimberlite dyke at its 87km2 Kono diamond licence in eastern Sierra Leone.

Highlights:

Lion-5 kimberlite mapped over 1,990m with an average width of 1.5m at the bulk sample site
346 dry tonnes of kimberlite sampled yielding 244 carats for in-situ grade of 70cpht
Diamonds of 4.45ct, 3.22ct, 3.07ct, 3.0ct & 2.57ct, with 62% of stones observed as gem quality
Previous trial mining at Kono by Stellar produced 4,200 carats of high quality diamonds
Chief Executive Karl Smithson commented:

“These results indicate that the Lion-5 kimberlite has significant exploration potential. The dyke forms part of an extensive swarm of kimberlite dykes that run from the Stellar licence areas into the adjacent mine lease held by Koidu Holdings, which is embarking on a US$150million mine expansion programme. The kimberlite grade of 70cpht is consistent with our previous trial mining results from the Pol-K and Bardu kimberlites at Kono, where we previously recovered 4,200 carats of good quality diamond from our established 50 tonne per hour DMS plant. It is clear that the Kono permits hold significant value for Stellar and we intend to continue the exploration and evaluation work to develop this potential.”

Lion-5 Bulk Sampling and Processing

The Lion-5 kimberlite has been mapped over a distance of 1,990m to date, however based on satellite imagery and the presence of previous artisanal workings the kimberlite is expected to extend beyond this distance. The kimberlite was excavated by Stellar over a 60m length, adjacent to the Koidu Holdings mining lease, with observed widths ranging from 84cm to 198cm, and with the average width calculated at 148cm. Since the kimberlite was competent in nature, drilling and blasting was required to extract it. Dilution with granitic country rock during this process was calculated at 14%.

The kimberlite extracted was transported to the Company’s active sampling plant at Tongo, some 60km to the south. Here the sample was crushed and processed via a 5 tonne per hour Dense Media Separation plant with diamond recovery being by grease tables in a secure container. The whole process was observed by a Government Mines Monitoring Officer.

Some 400.59 tonnes of kimberlite/granite was extracted from the sample trench, of which 346.35 tonnes was calculated to be kimberlite. >From this sample some 243.8 carats were recovered for a +1mm in-situ dry grade of 70.39cpht. Encouragingly, approximately 62% of the diamonds recovered (by weight) are classified as gem quality, with the five largest stones recovered weighing 4.45ct, 3.22ct, 3.07ct, 3.00ct, 2.57ct.

Re-processing of the plant tailings at a smaller crusher setting remains to be completed so it is likely that more carats will be recovered from the sample and hence the calculated diamond grade will increase.

Kono Project

The Kono project comprises two permits held by Basama Diamonds Limited, a 100% owned Stellar subsidiary. During the years 2006 to 2008 a joint venture with Petra Diamonds Limited sunk a number of exploration shafts to test certain kimberlites in the Kono dyke swarm. The focus was primarily on the Pol-K and Bardu kimberlite shafts where a total of 4,200 carats of diamonds were recovered at diamond grades of approximately 65cpht. However, the grade of the Bardu kimberlite exceeded 140cpht during its final days of sampling. The underground trial mining was placed on care and maintenance during the 2009 financial crisis and in May 2010 Petra exited the joint venture, returning to Stellar its 51% project equity in return for 4.5m Stellar shares at a price of 20p per Stellar share. Expenditure on the Kono project to date exceeds $17m.

In accordance with AIM rules the information in this announcement has been reviewed by Karl Smithson, Chief Executive of Stellar, a qualified geologist with 23 years’ experience.

A Soolip Wedding, a modern bridal event, returns to San Francisco and Los Angeles—set for Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the legendary Bently Reserve and Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the prestigious Bel Air Bay Club. The vision of gracious living guru Wanda Wen, A Soolip Wedding has established notoriety as one of the wedding industry’s most prolific events and is essential for soon-to-be-wed couples, wedding planners or anyone looking for inspired event resources.

This gathering of over 60 curated resources will feature distinguished wedding vendors and artisanal amenities. Highlights include dazzling diamonds from America’s most established jeweler, Black, Starr & Frost, and a fashion showing of luxury wedding apparel by JLM Couture, featuring the ultra glamorous bridal gowns of Lazaro. JLM Couture makes its A Soolip Wedding debut coinciding with the launch of a new flagship location to open in West Hollywood, February 2012. Sharing a similar aesthetic, the highly sought-after stationer, Soolip Paperie and Press, will showcase their au-courant paper and invitation delicacies in both cities.

The coastal setting of the Bel Air Bay Club in Los Angeles will serve as a back-drop for a venerated collection of experts including the chic canvases of Viceroy Hotel Group and Maravilla Gardens and the delectable culinary delights of Good Gracious! Events. Also in attendance, Krista Jon Floral|Botanical|Stylist, whose stunning living succulent walls have mesmerized A Soolip Wedding’s guests, David Pressman Events, the industry’s event planner for in-the-know brides, along with Jen O’Sullivan Photography and VeeV Acai Spirits.

In San Francisco, the historic Bently Reserve will host an abundance of tastemakers and elite offerings. Wedding stylists from the Nordstrom Wedding Suite will be on-hand to showcase the season’s most coveted fashion trends while elegant bridal collections by Jin Wang will grace the runway. Wondrous floral displays from Kathleen Deery Design and the elegant cuisine of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering are additional enticements.

Not to be missed in both cities are the awe-inspiring accents of the acclaimed Classic Party Rentals along with the captivating documentation of Film Foto Fusion. Providing literary inspiration for the engaged at both events are media sponsors C Weddings, The Knot and Utterly Engaged.

In its 13th year, A Soolip Wedding 2012 will once again reinforce the Soolip brand’s dedication to embracing inspired beauty through the discovery of amazing style and to the modern reverence for love and marriage. “A Soolip Wedding is forging into its second decade maintaining the belief in a modern, yet soulful approach to weddings,” says Wen, Soolip Founder.

Women, no matter the age, love to adorn themselves with fabulous pieces of jewellery. Whether it be a simple pair of earrings, an elegant bracelet or a charming necklace, she will wear it wherever she goes. This is not only because these jewelleries make her feel beautiful but also gives her the confidence. Thus, if you are wondering what will be an ideal gift for your lady on the occasion of her birthday, anniversary or any special event then jewelleries will be just perfect. Furthermore, if you want to give her a pleasant surprise then send her these attractive accessories through GiftstoIndia24x7.com.

In the Jewellery section of this online gifting portal, you will come across a wide collection of jewelleries which will surely delight her. But, if you want to give her something elegant yet dazzling then a pearl or diamond jewellery will be a perfect choice. There is no doubt about the fact that pearl jewelleries are the perfect accessory for any formal wear. Hence, you can gift your loved ones attractive pearl necklace and earrings set which will further compliment their attire. Along with these, GiftstoIndia24x7.com also offers a selection of pearl watches, studs and bangles which will make wonderful gifts.

But, if your dear one prefers diamonds then don’t worry. This online portal also showcases a splendid selection of diamond jewelleries which will undoubtedly be appreciated by the recipient. In the section of ‘Diamond Jewellery’, you will come across beautifully designed pendants and earrings studded with sparkling diamonds. You can be certain that wearing these jewelleries, your dear one will stand out from the crowd. Thus, send these as gifts to India and make her day even more special.

Mr. Amit Desai, the CEO of the Company says, “Jewelleries are by far the most popular gifts for women. Hence, we bring you a collection of pearl and diamond jewelleries which will be welcomed by her with a smile.”

Swank, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SNKI), a leading designer and marketer of men’s and women’s belts and men’s leather accessories, jewelry and suspenders, and Randa Accessories Leather Goods LLC, a leading manufacturer, distributor and marketer of lifestyle accessories, jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Randa will acquire Swank for $10.00 a share, or total consideration of approximately $57.5 million.

The merger consideration represents a 111% percent premium over the closing bid price of Swank’s common stock as quoted on the website of OTC Markets Group on February 2, 2012.

John Tulin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Swank, said, “I am pleased to announce this agreement, as it will deliver to our stockholders significant value and the certainty of a substantial cash premium for their shares. Today’s announcement is the result of a lengthy process in which Swank’s Board of Directors, working with senior management and with our financial and legal advisors, have thoroughly reviewed and considered Randa’s interest in Swank. Our Board of Directors has unanimously approved this transaction and believes it is in the best interests of our stockholders, customers and employees.”

Jeffrey Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer of Randa, added, “We are very pleased that Swank, a leader in the men’s and women’s accessories industry with a strong reputation for exceptional quality, reliability and customer service, is joining our family. The strategic benefits of this combination are clear and we are pleased to be able to move forward on terms that are financially attractive for Swank’s stockholders.”

The acquisition, which is subject to approval by Swank’s stockholders as well as other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012. Randa intends to fund the acquisition with a combination of existing cash and the proceeds of a committed revolving credit facility from JPMorgan Chase Bank.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Swank may solicit and encourage alternative acquisition proposals from third parties for a 35-day “go-shop” period continuing through March 9, 2012. The merger agreement provides Randa with a customary right to match a superior proposal. Swank does not anticipate it will disclose any developments with regard to this process unless Swank’s Board of Directors makes a decision with respect to a potential superior proposal. There is no guarantee that this process will result in a superior proposal.

For the protection and benefit of participants in the employee stock ownership plan component of The New Swank, Inc. Retirement Plan, Reliance Trust Company has been appointed to serve as independent fiduciary and independent trustee of the employee stock ownership plan component of the Retirement Plan. Stout Risius Ross, Inc. is acting as the financial advisor to Reliance Trust Company and Bryan Cave LLP is acting as Reliance Trust Company’s legal advisor.

Financo, Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Swank and has provided a fairness opinion in connection with the transaction to the Board of Directors of Swank. Troutman Sanders LLP is serving as legal advisor to Swank in connection with this transaction. Peter J. Solomon Company is Randa’s financial advisor and Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP is serving as legal advisor to Randa in connection with the transaction.

Bonhams looks forward to presenting its quarterly Salon Jewelry & Watches auction, March 26 in San Francisco, featuring an impressive selection of rings, bracelets and accessories.

One of the auction’s star lots will be a Cartier, French, cultured pearl and emerald “Panth?re” bracelet, composed of five strands of cultured pearls, measuring approx. 3.9 to 3.5mm, signed Cartier and mounted in blackened silver and eighteen karat gold (est. $1,000-$1,500).

A sapphire and diamond three-stone ring mounted in eighteen karat gold also stands out in the sale with its 1.60 circular-cut carat sapphire centered between two old mine-cut diamonds, weighing approx. 1.20 and 1.10 carats each (pre-sale est. $6,000-$8,000).

Also highlighted in the auction will be a David Webb, 1.25 carat diamond pav?-set ring, mounted in platinum and eighteen karat gold and signed Webb (pre-sale est. $4,000-$6,000); an art deco diamond, emerald and platinum ring (est. $3,000-$5,000); and an opal diamond ring (est. $3,000-$5,000).

Deborah Boskin, Jewelry Specialist at Bonhams, says of the auction, “Coming off 2011, which was one of our strongest jewelry sale years in history, we are excited to begin 2012 with our spring auction. The wide array of signed, period and contemporary jewelry holds something for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.”

Also at Bonhams, leading up to the Salon Jewelry sale, will be the Period Art & Design auction, March 25-26 in San Francisco, featuring jewelry, pens and writing instruments, photographs and ethnographic art, in addition to its always anticipated selection of fine art, furniture, decorative arts and rugs.

Jewelry highlights from the Period Art & Design auction will include a pair of diamond and yellow-plated eighteen karat white gold hoop earrings (est. $1,200-$1,500) and a diamond and emerald swan brooch (est. $800-$1,000).

Additional highlights will include a Tabriz carpet, circa 1920, from Northwest Persia, measuring approx. 8ft. 11in. x 13ft. 2in. (est. $2,500-$3,500); a Gothic style Aubusson tapestry from the fourth quarter of the 19th century, worked in autumnal shades, depicting maidens and guards under banners surrounded by exuberant flowering vines (est. $2,000-$3,000); a George III, inlaid mahogany knife box from the fourth quarter of the 18th century (est. $1,000-$1,500); and a pietra dura mounted ebonized rosewood jewelry box, circa 1900 (est. $1,000-$1,500).

Among the notable furniture on offer will be a mid-18th century, German Rococo walnut chest of drawers (est. $3,000-$5,000); a Louis XV, gilt metal mounted rosewood and parquetry writing table from the fourth quarter of the 19th century (est. $3,000-$4,000); a George III, mahogany architect’s desk from the last quarter of the 18th century (est. $2,000-$3,000); and an assembled set of five, mid-19th century, Anglo Indian ebonized armchairs in the Regency taste (est. $1,800-$2,200).

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury products group, recorded a 16% increase in revenue reaching 23.7 billion Euros in 2011. This includes the integration of Bulgari as of 30 June 2011. Organic revenue growth was 14%. All business groups saw excellent momentum in Europe, Asia and the United States. Louis Vuitton, in particular, once again recorded double-digit revenue growth during the year.

Revenue increased by 20% in the fourth quarter with organic growth of 12%. This performance is in line with the favourable trends observed since the beginning of the year, and compares to the fourth quarter of 2010 which also grew.

Profit from recurring operations increased by 22% to 5 263 million Euros, a performance which is even more remarkable when compared to the strong growth recorded in 2010. Current operating margin continued to improve, reaching 22% in 2011.

Group share of net profit was 3 065 million Euros, an increase of 1% compared to 2010 which included a non-recurrent financial gain. Excluding this gain, the growth in Group share of net profit would have been 34%.

Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, said: “2011 was another great vintage for LVMH, highlighting once again the power of our brands, the excellence of our craftsmanship and the appeal of our products. Our businesses enjoyed excellent momentum and profit from recurring operations passed the threshold of €5 billion for the first time. The agreement with the Bulgari family was one of the key moments of the year. In 2012, LVMH intends to further strengthen its global leadership position in high quality products by relying on its sound, long- term strategy.”

Watches & Jewelry: market share gains

The Watches & Jewelry business group recorded organic revenue growth of 23% in 2011. Profit from recurring operations doubled as a result of the 41% increase in results on a comparable structure basis and the integration of Bulgari, consolidated as of 30 June 2011. The LVMH brands continued their sustained growth across all geographies. Driven by strong demand, this remarkable momentum resulted in new market share gains. TAG Heuer made a splash with the launch of two exceptional products entirely developed and manufactured by its own workshop: the Micrograph 100 and the Mikrotimer Flying 1000. Hublot continued its innovations with the launch of Masterpieces, the new watch collection of Grandes Complications, and extended its store network. Zenith benefited from the renewal of its emblematic lines which demonstrate the first class craftsmanship of its Manufacture. Bulgari’s excellent performance across all categories confirmed the considerable appeal of its products. The collections, which were developed around the theme Serpenti, a symbol for the Maison since the 1950s, were very well received. Driven by the strong momentum at their network of stores, the other jewelry brands Chaumet, De Beers and Fred, continued to develop their star collections.

World-first technology in the mining industry is contributing to better health and safety for miners, production efficiencies and improved energy consumption and environmental benefits, according to new research.

A BAEconomics report, commissioned by Rio Tinto to look into the benefits and costs of autonomous technology, concludes that investment in mining technology and innovation should sustain long-term competitiveness while also providing the broader economic benefits likely to flow from a strong mining industry.

The report, titled “Autonomous and remote operation technologies in the mining industry: benefits and costs” examines the advances in new technology, showing that while the costs and challenges of automation in the mining sector are substantial, they are potentially far outweighed by the benefits they can deliver.

The report also concludes that as automated systems allow workers to communicate with and control machinery remotely, this removes their exposure to hazardous mining environments, reduces or eliminates health and safety risks, and makes for a more attractive workplace. The appeal of these new roles, and the potential for them to be located in more desirable locations will broaden employment opportunities and attract more talent to the mining industry.

Rio Tinto head of innovation John McGagh said “The BAEconomics report highlights the increasingly complex challenges being faced by the mining industry. Our industry is facing maturing ore bodies, fewer tier-one deposits, increasingly complex geographies and labour shortages and the report details how innovation in autonomous technologies can play an important role in addressing these challenges.

“The revolutionary technologies being tested now cement Rio Tinto’s leading position in the field of mining innovation. In Iron Ore, we’re introducing automated trucks, blast-hole drill rigs, sorting machines and trains, all of which are capable of being controlled by our Operations Centre in Perth, which already integrates our port, rail and mine logistics.

“Rio Tinto’s research partnerships also help to set us ahead of the pack. The Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation, established at the University of Sydney is one of five global research centres with links to Universities. These research centres bring together the experience and know-how of our own technology and mining professionals with some of the best academic minds to achieve changes that are transforming the way mining, processing and energy are approached.”

Rio Tinto’s Mine of the FutureTM programme has been running for the past four years, aimed at finding advanced ways to mine and extract minerals more efficiently while reducing environmental impacts and improving safety.

Download the report by BAEconomics: http://www.baeconomics.com.au/publications

Gitanjali Group, India’s largest diamond and jewellery house, is proud to introduce to the watch connoisseurs of India, the very iconic and avant garde- Rotary Watches- classic Swiss timepieces. Elegance, sophistication and attention to detail being the cornerstone of this timeless brand, its inception dates back to as early as 1895, by the visionary Moise Dreyfuss and is now into the fourth generation with Robert Dreyfuss at the helm.

The very elegant Manyata Dutt along with Robert Dreyfuss, Chairman- Rotary Watches graced the launch of this affordably stylish and innovative watch brand at Bezel, Atria Mall and unveiled the two new collections by Rotary Watches- Rotary Evolution and Rotary Aquaspeed. While Aquaspeed sports watch will appeal to a sports enthusiast with chronograph movements and technical instrumentation, Rotary Evolution are avant-garde multiple time zone performance watches. All Rotary watches are supplied with a manufacturers lifetime guarantee.

The Rotary Aquaspeed collection emphasizes Rotary’s commitment to the expansion of its portfolio beyond traditional dress watch designs. Inspired by models first launched in the 1950’s and 1960’s, the Aquaspeed collection puts a modern spin on Rotary’s classic styles and has also added two new ladies watches to the collection. Featuring Austrian crystal set bezels, the ladies watch features a stainless steel case with PVD rose gold bezel, cream mother of pearl dial and combination PVD rose gold and stainless steel bracelet, while the other option for a ladies watch is crafted from PVD rose gold, has a pink mother of pearl dial and white leather strap- a perfect blend of elegance coupled with precision and design!

The Rotary Evolution range is statement watches that offer impressive travel-related functionality and striking good looks. Encompassing a capsule collection of travel-centric timepieces, this new sub-brand of Rotary Watches is the result of three years of design and development resulting in a truly ground-breaking cluster of contemporary timepieces. This family of chronograph watches is available in three colourways: stainless steel, PVD rose gold and PVD yellow gold. Remaining true to the essence of the Evolution brand, each dial has striking red dial accents. The chronograph movement allows fractions of time to be measured and is therefore aimed at those choosing a more sports-inspired piece.

Commenting on the launch of Rotary watches in India, Manyata Dutt said, “The precision, design and detailing of these innovative watches will surely beckon the watch connoisseur in India. The watches are extremely comfortable whilst exuding the perfect style statement. Each timepiece is the right blend of sophistication coupled with the finest Swiss watch making technology. Practical yet superbly stylish!!”

Talking about the launch of Rotary Watches in India, Robert Dreyfuss, Chairman, Rotary Watches, said, “Given this is our first exclusive presence in India who better to partner with than the Gitanjali Group, a name symbolic of trust, purity and dedication to quality! Combining our core values, we offer to the Indian consumer a range of watches that are innovative, avant garde and carry the hallmark of fine Swiss watchmaking technology, with the assured quality and elegance. We hope that we receive a warm response from our discerning patrons in India”

Rotary Watches are priced at Rs. 12,000 onwards.

Available at:
Bezel store, Atria Mall, Mumbai
BEZEL houses exclusive time wear by international brands including Morellato, Sector, Chronotech, Roberto Cavalli, Givenchy, Philip Watches, Just Cavalli, Marvin, IRIS, Chronotech, Gianfranco Ferre, St Honore & Aqua Marin.

Celebrities, including Andrea Riseborough, stepped out for the New York City Premiere of Madonna’s feature film W.E. donning Forevermark diamond jewellery.

The star of the film dazzled in an A. Link for Forevermark 17.34 tcw Bubble Collection Cuff set in 18k White Gold. Andrea also selected to wear Forevermark diamond rings, and Forevermark Diamond Teardrop Earrings set in 18k White Gold.

The premiere, sponsored by Forevermark and held at the Ziegfeld Theatre, New York attracted many stars from the worlds of film and fashion, including Rachel Roy, Zac Posen and Donna Karan.