Waterloo Regional Police, in partnership with Guelph Police Service, Peel Regional Police and Niagara Regional Police, have charged a fourth male in connection with a Kitchener jewelry store robbery in December, 2010.

Abdullah MALEK-MOHAMMAD, 25, of Toronto, is in custody in connection with a robbery at People’s Jewelers at Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener.   MOHAMMAD is charged with Robbery using a Firearm, Robbery, Wearing a Disguise with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence, Pointing a Firearm, Weapons Dangerous to the Public Peace and Mischief Under $5000. MOHAMMAD has also been charged in relation to a robbery at the People’s Jewelers store at Stone Road Mall, Guelph on January 28, 2011.  He is scheduled for video remand in Kitchener on April 12, 2012.

Three other males, Mohammad Saeid KERMANI, Baseer AHMED, and Nima MALEK, all from the Richmond Hill area, were previously charged in connection with the People’s Jewelers store in Fairvi ew Park Mall, Kitchener on December 1, 2010.   MALEK is also charged in the Guelph robbery and appears in court on April 13, 2012.  AHMED and KERMANI have court appearances scheduled on April 25, 2012.

Police continue to investigate, but do not anticipate any further arrests.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterloo Regional Police Central Detectives at (519) 650 8500 ext. 4499 or Crime Stoppers 1 800 222 8477.

Based on a modern, young woman, whose ancestry is made up of artists and Eastern royalty, she is both cosmopolitan and trendy. Our mysterious heroine is modern, and free, combining the diversity of women’s life today. From a DJ to a blogger, a designer to a painter, she also embodies the qualities of a profound singer. 

Inspired by electro rock and visual artistry, Creative Director Nathalie Colin transports us to an opulent, baroque world derived from minimalism and modernity. “I wanted to conjure up a muse who portrays a “rock chick”, turning traditional ideas and values upside down by giving them her own personal twist. Rebellious and confident, she creates her own style with total freedom. Her jewelry suits her perfectly: an array of medieval, eastern and even a touch of Shakespearean are influences which are revisited to create an avant-garde, rock  artist look, or in other words someone who depicts Rock Royalty” explains the collection’s creator. 

A recurring shape this season is the triangle – historic among jewelry stones. With a faceted cut, exclusive to Swarovski, this symbol is repeated in different forms throughout many sets and creations. Colors explode in flashes of flamboyant ruby, spellbinding emerald, or deep sapphire, combined with dark tones and opaque effects with an underground edge. Like a treasure passed down through time, the collection subtly combines ancient and modern, Asian heritage and historical detail, rich colors and dark tones, all with complete freedom. Added to this are lacework, embroidery, settings, and metals including gold, silver, and antiqued or polished steel to create a vintage look. Made by hand, the Seductive necklace recalls the sophistication of Chinese fabrics. Its large pear-shaped crystals are adorned with mini crystals using an innovative embroidery technique, and mounted on alcantara with a black braided cord. The soft subtlety of these crystals, with their dark, mysterious glimmer, is echoed in the purity of the Resin bangles. These are created in black and transparent resin and embellished with round or square crystals, perfectly aligned, which sparkle with a thousand shards of light.  

A sensuous caress on a bare back depicts the magnificent and versatile  Singapour necklace, which also draws inspiration from Asia. The long golden strand can be worn as a scarf, tie, or even a belt, as it is formed by an elegant lacework of chains punctuated with multicolored crystals. Each end features a tassel adorned with pavé and embroidered crystals in light and dark tones. The matching earrings, which feature ruby-tone crystals in a delicate pavé design, exemplify fine jewelry, and echo the lengthy drape of the necklace. The theme of “gold lace” continues with the elegant  Story bangle, which features a bold, exclusive octagonal cabochon in ruby red, scattered on each side with miniature crystals applied using Swarovski’s unique Pointiage® technique. 

The Sissy pierced earrings feature gold and silver toned metals in fine openwork and filigree, formed into exuberant flowers with rock allure and highlighted with multicolored mini crystals. The opulent black agate with its organic form adorns the Sketch cocktail ring, adds a modern twist to the collection. Mini crystals in a gradation of metallic tones are meticulously embedded using the Pointiage® technique. 

For evening wear, the  Serena necklace offers a fresh perspective on the jewelry of yesterday. All the classic themes of jewelry are revisited: the traditional necklace chain becomes a chain with ruthenium accents, and the technique of setting triangular crystals as chatons is brought in to perfect the quality of pavé half-rings in ruby and grey tones. Seven crystals with an exclusive triangular cut, in tones of Dark Grey and partly covered with mini crystals using the Pointiage® technique, provide the finishing touch to modernize this baroque necklace. For its part, the Sienna ring draws inspiration from the medieval period. Its lacy diamond form in black tones is adorned with mini crystals and one larger, square-cut clear crystal, creating a striking, and sophisticated effect. The eye-catching Studio bracelets feature set crystals woven with black cord to create a studded wristband look. Symbols of the past are evident in the Sword bracelet. Three strands of braided black cord, features a combination of delicate charms in the form of wings, blazons, and shields highlighted 

with set and pavé mini crystals. 

The Nirvana ring is widely regarded as one of Swarovski’s iconic pieces. Revisited with a new and exclusive faceted crystal cut, it has been transformed into an articulated, gold-plated bracelet with the Swanflower® motif engraved on the reverse. It features dark colors and is deliberately styled for a chic, electro rock look. 

Finally, the metallic Supreme necklace creates a rebellious allure with Crystal Mesh, yet another flagship product for Swarovski. The chainmail-inspired piece designed for this collection perfectly complements the material with a ruthenium finishing. Suspended from a fine metal tube, a large blue crystal, featuring an exclusive cut, creates a deep, mysterious sparkle. 

Providing total glamour and Amazonian attitude for the muse, the double Shogun ring is like a piece of elegant silver armor for the fingers, set with baguette-cut crystals in Crystal and Montana colors. 

The Supreme crystal is reproduced as a large pendant with a pure, Byzantine style. It is set off by tone-on-tone pavé crystals and hangs simply on a braided black leather cord. Continuing the rock theme of this chic collection, the Style bangle is made entirely from steel. It is adorned with pavé crystals, creating a three-dimensional, graphic feel, featuring a rectangular crystal stone for a somewhat androgynous look. This collection exemplifies the successful  combination of Swarovski’s crystal cutting expertise and knowledge of fine jewelry. The medieval, ancestral and eastern influences of these pieces are designed to inspire women from all walks of life, encouraging them to express their own unique history and personal style through today’s trends. The elegant legacy of the jewelry tradition, revisited this winter, gives free rein to modern creativity unconstrained by any barriers of culture or time.  

Bonhams is pleased to announce its May 20 Period Art & Design sale featuring a private single-owner collection of stylish and whimsical Bakelite and Lucite jewelry. Following on the successful auction of the Susan Kelner Freeman Collection of Bakelite Jewelry at Bonhams in 2009, the present offering boasts more than 80 examples, primarily Bakelite, in the shapes of dogs, ducks, fish, birds, elephants, flowers and gazelles. Items of note include highly sought after bracelets, necklaces and brooches in the colors of apple juice, root beer and butterscotch, among others. The reverse paint technique as well as ‘dot,’ ‘zigzag’ and ‘bowtie’ motifs can also be seen throughout the collection.

Discovered in the early 1900s, Bakelite was the first completely synthetic plastic that could be produced in almost any color and molded to any shape – leading to a revolution in jewelry making. From the 1920s-1940s, Bakelite was an exceptionally popular way to stylishly acces sorize any wardrobe, home or lifestyle.

Highlights from the private single-owner collection of stylish and whimsical Bakelite and Lucite jewelry include a Bakelite ‘bowtie’ bangle bracelet (est. $1,000-1,500); three Bakelite terrier dog brooches (est. $900-1,200); two translucent, carved Bakelite apple juice and black bangle bracelets (est. $500-700); three carved and painted Bakelite animal brooches: fox, and two horses (est. $600-900); a Bakelite ‘dot’ bangle bracelet by Shultz (est. $500-700); a Bakelite gazelle brooch (est. $500-700); two Bakelite elephant brooches: one with a googly eye, one with metal enhancement (est. $500-700); a deeply carved and pierced butterscotch foliate bangle bracelet (est. $500-700); three Lucite ‘insect’ bangle bracelets (est. $600-800); two brightly colored Bakelite stretch bracelets with diagonal rectangles (est. $600-900) and a Bakelite, wood and metal “brick” link bracelet (est. $800-1,200), among others.

The May Peri od Art & Design sale will also feature strong selection of jewelr y from various owners. Items of note include old European-cut diamond and silver-topped pendant-brooch (est. $1,200-1,800); a diamond and gold ‘rose’ brooch in the shape of a (est. $1,200-1,800), a pair of Art Deco diamond, emerald and white gold earrings (est. $800-1,200); a pair of opal and gold ‘swan’ brooches (est. $500-700) and a pair of diamond, ruby and gold ‘jaguar’ motif earrings (est. $400-600).

The illustrated auction catalog will be available online for review and purchase in the weeks preceding the sale at www.bonhams.com/20004.>

Preview: May 18-19, Los Angeles

Auction: May 20, Los Angeles

Grammy-winning international pop icon Ricky Martin stars as Ché,Olivier Award winner Elena Roger makes her Broadway debut as Eva Perón, a woman who used her beauty and charm to rise from the Argentinean slums to the role of First Lady, when marrying Juan Perón, played by  Tony Award® winner Michael Cerveris. Eva Perón won international acclaim and adoration from the Argentinean people as a champion of the poor, while glamour, power and greed made her the world’s first major political celebrity.

“Swarovski is delighted to be a part of the new Broadway production of EVITA. Christopher Oram expertly incorporated Swarovski crystal into the costumes to enhance the beauty and glamour of Eva Perón, truly bringing her style to life on stage for theatergoers,” said Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Executive Board, Swarovski Crystal Business.

”I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Swarovski on these exquisite gowns. They form the center pieces of Evita’s extensive couture wardrobe, and as such, are featured in two iconic scenes in the musical, her first meeting with Juan Perón at the charity concert, and her debut on the balcony of the Casa Rosada after Perón’s election to president of Argentina, when she sings the show’s most iconic song, Don’t Cry For Me Argentina,” said Christopher Oram, Costume Designer.

EVITA  began previews on March 12 and will open  on Broadway  April 5.

Instead of flowers this year, give your mom a Mother’s Day gift she can love for a lifetime.  Jewelry designer Dian Malouf’s sterling silver “endearings” lets you choose from rings that say Mom, Mama, Mamacita, Madre, Mimi and Nana.

Dian also offers rings in the same style, but blank.  Dian says, “Most local jewelers can engrave names or nicknames into the blank rings if we don’t offer the term of endearment you need.”

Available by special order, the rings are $76 (plus shipping) and come in a pretty pink Dian Malouf jewelry bag. 

Dian Malouf Jewelry is made in the USA, and available by calling 214.520.3123 x 113.  For a list of all “endearings”  (including the Go Girl ring, which benefits breast cancer research) and stores that carry Dian Malouf Jewelry, see www.dian-malouf.com.

This spring, Christie’s is proud to offer an extremely rare round Fancy Intense Pink diamond of 12.04 carats at the sale of Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels on 29 May. This is the largest round Fancy Intense Pink diamond to ever appear at auction. The property of a prominent Private collector, this pink stone was purchased from Harry Winston in 1976 – the very same year, the United States launched its first satellite on a mission to Mars. The Viking landers were the pioneering spacecrafts to first land on the Red Planet, carrying with them the American flag across millions of miles of interplanetary space. For Ronald Winston, the colour of the 12.04-carat pink diamond was so intense that he named it ‘Martian Pink’ to honour and celebrate this historic event.

Round pink diamonds – An exceeding rarity

There are only two known significant sized round pink diamonds in this world, namely the Williamson Pink – a 23.60-carat beautiful pink diamond that was prese nted to Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her wedding in 1947 – and the present 12.04-carat pink stone. This rare and exclusive beauty carries a pink hue, and this straight pink is an extraordinary and unique colour expression. While most natural pink diamonds exhibit a colour modifier like purple, orange or grey, the present specimen shows absolutely no trace of a secondary colour, making it exceedingly rare. Like a beautiful pink rose, the colour is delicate and soft yet strong and bright, its lively scintillation afforded by the stone’s even colour distribution. Combined with a Type IIa characteristic, the diamond shows an extraordinary limpidity together with a lovely intense pink colouration.

Offered alongside this pink diamond is an elegant 11.85-carat D VVS1 Potentially Flawless round brilliant-cut diamond. The round brilliant cut represents the best cut for diamonds, specifically calibrated to achieve maximum reflection of light. Its pr oportions also showcase the diamond’s finest natural characteristics. Not only has the stone retained a weight of 11.85 carats, its dimensions, perfected by the round brilliant cut, ensures a stunning visual display of brilliance. Combined with top D colour, this brilliant-cut diamond is a wonderful example of the classic round stone.

Harry Winston

The name of Harry Winston will always be remembered in connection with the most wonderful gems in the world. Dubbed ‘The King of Diamonds’ in 1947, Harry Winston has handled the world’s most famous diamonds including The Indore Pears, The Hope, The Porter Rhodes, The Idol’s Eye and The Jonker. In the 50s, 60s and 70s, Winston was the preeminent jeweller in the world: the destination of choice for royalty, Hollywood stars and business moguls. The offering of such a stunning pair of pink and white diamonds presents that exciting and rare opportunity for gem collectors to acquire a piece of Winston’s legacy. 

The history of some of the world’s most famous diamonds are pink diamonds. The mysterious, glittering allure that surrounds pink gems such as The Nur-Ul-Ain, The Hortensia or The Agra dates back centuries and have had colourful histories. Since their discovery in the rich Golconda river of India, connoisseurs have considered pink diamonds to be among the most precious of gemstones. Today, high-quality natural pure pink diamonds are regarded as some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after coloured diamonds. The scarcity of the finest natural pink diamonds in the world today renders the appearance of the present 12.04-carat round Fancy Intense Pink diamond an extraordinary event in auction history.

Online retail sales in China will triple to more than $360 billion by 2015, powered both by growing numbers of Internet users and by greater consumer acceptance of e-commerce, according to a report by The Boston Consulting Group.

If not by 2015, then shortly thereafter, China will likely become the largest online retail market in the world, with close to 10 percent of retail sales occurring online. It already has more online shoppers than any other market, including the U.S.

Once a fascination of the young and wealthy, the Internet is fast becoming a mass medium. China will have 700 million Internet users in 2015—nearly 200 million more than today—and twice the online population of Japan and the U.S. combined. In 2011, Chinese consumers spent 1.9 billion hours a day online—an increase of 60 percent from two years earlier, according to China’s Digital Generations 3.0: The Online Empire.

“In just a few years, China has become the largest Internet market in the world. It will shortly be the most significant, too,” said Christoph Nettesheim, a BCG senior partner and coauthor of the report. “Companies with global ambitions need to have an active online presence in China if they expect to succeed.”

Average time online per user increased from 2.8 to 3.6 hours per day between 2008 and 2011. Chinese users spend about an hour a day more on the Internet than U.S. users.

China’s overall penetration rate will exceed 50 percent by 2015, compared with 38 percent in 2011. The fastest-growing segment will be urban consumers aged 51 and older—a sign that the Internet is spreading through Chinese society. This segment will likely expand by 22 percent annually.

Half of Internet users say that the Internet is their most trusted source of information, followed by television at 30 percent and newspapers at 15 percen t, according to our research. Young professionals and university stud ents lead the pack, with 70 percent and 63 percent, respectively, citing it as their most trustworthy information source.

China has 193 million online shoppers, compared with 170 million in the U.S. Between 2009 and 2011, the share of Internet users who shop online rose from 28 percent to 36 percent. The share of online shoppers will likely reach 47 percent by 2015.

As the Chinese become more comfortable with the Internet, they are becoming more adventurous. For instance, 79 percent of Chinese Internet users send instant messages, compared with just 21 percent of U.S. users. They are also bigger consumers of online music (79 percent versus 61 percent) and e-books (40 percent versus 7 percent). Sina Weibo, a Chinese version of Twitter, has attracted 300 million users in less than three years of operation.

 “Faster than in any other major economy, the Internet is becoming embedded in Chinese society ,” said David C. Michael, a BCG senior partner and coauthor of the report. “The rapid growth represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for companies that figure out how to connect with China’s digital generations.”

Most companies have not yet shifted their marketing budgets and orientation to the online world. The share of overall ad spending devoted to the online channel is expected to rise from an estimated 13 percent in 2011 to 17 percent in 2015—far less than the 64 percent of media time that users now devote to the Internet.

A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.bcgperspectives.com.

DGSE Companies, Inc. announced that trading in its common stock has been halted on the American Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”), effective 9:30AM EDT. This trading halt is the result of the Company’s inability to comply with certain information disclosure requirements of the Exchange. As described in its April 16, 2012 press release, the Company is assessing the potential need to restate prior period financial statements.

“DGSE’s business remains strong, and we have been very pleased with the acquisition of Southern Bullion Trading and its subsequent integration into our operations. Expansion plans also continue to move forward for our 6th and 7th locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.”

“While we are disappointed by the trading halt, we are confident that the operation of our business will continue without disruption to our customers, business partners or employees,” said William Oyster, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. “We have also been pleased by the support we have received from our shareholders, particularly our majority shareholder NTR Metals. NTR is supportive of the process we are currently working through and remains confident that the core business and future outlook for DGSE is strong.”

Oyster continued, “DGSE’s business remains strong, and we have been very pleased with the acquisition of Southern Bullion Trading and its subsequent integration into our operations. Expansion plans also continue to move forward for our 6th and 7th locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.”

As anticipated, production was lower than all comparable periods. EKATI (Canada) production is expected to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material, consistent with the mine plan. 

BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business during the December 2011 quarter and this process is ongoing. During the March 2012 quarter, BHP Billiton announced that it had exercised an option to sell its 37 percent non-operated interest in Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa) to Rio Tinto.