What was making news 10 years ago?

Expertise Events launches NZ fair

The story: Expertise Events has announced it will launch a new jewellery fair and awards competition in New Zealand.

The company said the decision came in response to industry requests to establish a world-class trade event, lead by the Jewellers Association of New Zealand.

The trade show – held at the Auckland ASB Showgrounds – also had backing from the Nationwide Jewellers Buying Group, which had a lounge for its members on the ground floor. 

Buying group gives fairs leading edge

The story: Major Australian buying group Leading Edge Jewellers has confirmed its involvement in 2009 JAA trade fairs and beyond.

The move was expected to add further credibility to the events, helping maximise the buying and selling potential at the Australian Jewellery Fair Brisbane and International Jewellery Fair Sydney.

“We want to support the industry and are pleased to be presented on the Fair floor,” Leading Edge Jewellers general manager Joshua Zarb said. An integral part of the events’ marketing campaign, Leading Edge’s presence was expected to complement an array of other key partners, including Jeweller magazine, the JAA, Nationwide Jewellers, Showcase Jewellers and Zone Advance Protection Systems. 

Surreal offers ‘hope’ for ovarian cancer

The story: Surreal Jewellery has announced a collaboration with Ovarian Cancer Australia to generate greater awareness of the disease.

To raise funds, the company has launched its Hope charm, with a percentage of sales going to the charity, which supports affected women through treatment and services.

The sterling silver charm featured a teal-enamel finish, with the colour being internationally recognised for representing ovarian cancer. Approximately 1,600 women are diagnosed with the disease each year in Australia, with the average age of diagnosis being 63.

According to Surreal, the piece would retail for $75, while a yellow and gold version would also be available for $250.”

Internet traders irk traditional retailers The story: The JAA has sought input over a controversial proposal to grant standalone online retailers membership to the organisation. Numerous JAA members wrote to the association requesting companies that solely traded on the internet be refused subscription. They argued online retailers created an uneven playing field, driving business to their sites by pitching a price message that seeks to undermine confidence in traditional retailers. “Internet traders are less regulated than retailers and they often get away with making unchallenged assertions,” the member letter stated. The letter came in response to a JAA email distributed in November 2008, which stated a case for allowing online traders membership. The JAA’s position was; internet sellers are here to stay; the JAA should represent the entire industry; and it could better influence online retailers’ conduct if they were members. It was also essential traditional retailers learned to complete with e-commerce enterprises.”