Jewel & Jewel

Tiffany & Co. reported results for the three months (second quarter) and six months (first half) ended July 31, 2008. Strong net sales growth in Asia-Pacific and Europe led to an 11% increase in worldwide net sales in the second quarter. Combined with a higher operating margin, this resulted in a 21% increase in net earnings from continuing operations and a 31% increase in earnings per diluted share in the quarter. These results enabled the Company to slightly increase its earnings expectation for the full year.

Net sales in the second quarter increased 11% to $732.4 million. On a constant-exchange-rate basis which excludes the effect of translating foreign-currency-denominated sales into U.S. dollars (see attached “Non-GAAP Measures” schedule), worldwide net sales rose 7% and comparable store sales declined 1%.

In the first half, net sales rose 11% to $1.40 billion. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, sales increased 7% and comparable store sales rose 1%.

Net earnings from continuing operations in the second quarter rose 21% to $80.8 million, and increased 31% on a diluted per share basis to $0.63 from $0.48 in the prior year. Net earnings per diluted share were $0.29 in the prior year due to a loss from discontinued operations. Net earnings on a diluted per share basis benefited from fewer shares outstanding due to the Company’s share buy-back program.

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China Daily has reported that China’s jewelry industry is facing unprecedented development opportunities and its prospects are rosy.
 
By 2010, 60 to 70 Chinese jewelry companies are expected to become well-known Chinese-brand product enterprises.
 
According to Sun Fengmin, Secretary General of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China, total annual sales of jewelry in China will exceed $29.31 billion. By 2020, annual exports of China’s jewelry are expected to exceed $12 billion.
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The lavish Les Exclusives Boutiques of Damas, the leading international watch and jewellery retailer in the Middle East, located at Burj Al Arab, Mall of the Emirates and Saks Fifth Avenue exude an air of luxury as they house some of the world’s most prestigious and celebrated timepieces.On the strength of their unprecedented technical superiority and attention to creativity, these timepieces have become outstanding names in contemporary watchmaking. Most of them are created in a special, limited and numbered edition, adorned with diamonds and other precious stones. Just one glance at them gives an entirely new impression of precious time.

These elite boutiques form the cream of the retail chain and showcase spectacular international brands. Positioned in exceptional locations, they cater to Damas’ sophisticated clientele. The Les Exclusives Boutiques have great ambience where well-heeled travellers enjoy complete exclusivity, absolute privacy and make their purchase decision with complete peace of mind.

The multi-tasking staff is friendly and well trained. The boutiques capture the true spirit of contemporary excellence by presenting impeccable designs. The opulent setting and warm atmosphere of these boutiques makes it easier for customers to enjoy these true pieces of art.

Damas Watch Division Head raved: “The well-appointed interiors of the boutiques are custom designed to create the unique universe of Damas. As part of our constant quest for excellence, we have pursued fineness in every detail of the Les Exclusives.

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This simple (only two ingredients!) cooling mask is great for soothing a sunburnt face. It’s great for all skin types.

Prep Time: 2 hours,

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat)
• 1 tsp runny honey (microwave for a few minutes to soften hardened honey)

Preparation:

Combine mixture, then apply to face.
Let sit for 15 minutes.
Wash face with steaming washcloth.
For dry skin, use an extra tsp of honey.
Oily skin? Add a few drops of fresh lime juice.

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Here are few hand care tips:

• The skin on your hand is thin and delicate; therefore take special care of them.
• Moisturize your hands at least four times a day.
• Use your face exfoliator on your hands once a week.
• Once a week apply your face cream on to your hands before you go to bed.
• For dry hands after washing your hands with soap, wet them again. Pour salt on your hands and then scrub them under water. Dry hands and apply moisturizer on them.
• For greasy hands, after washing your hands rub cornmeal on them.
• Wear rubber gloves while working at home and in the garden.

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Lipstick in various forms, has been around for about 5000 years as it is the easiest way to add an instant splash of colour and give focus to your face. The main problem though, is that there is no perfect colour that suits everyone. There are no perfect shades, brands or formulas but these guidelines can help any woman to express her mood or personality as she chooses the lipstick that is right for her.

Sheer lipsticks: are more universal than opaque lipsticks and are more flattering as they allow your own lip colour to be seen underneath. They do not last as long as some other formulas although they are very moisturising and easy to wear. A happy medium can be found in the cream lipsticks but as these are more opaque you will find yourself having to be more discerning when choosing your colours.

Shimmer lipsticks: last for longer than sheer formulations and can flatter the wearer of any age, unlike the shimmery eye shadows or blushers. Due to the light reflecting qualities, lips will look fuller but be warned that shimmer formulations look ghastly on dry or chapped lips.

Matte lipsticks: are the formulas that last for longer than any other and are a good selection to make bold statements with. The main problem with this type of lipstick is that they dry the lips out quite quickly and as such should not really be worn if you have dry or chapped lips already.

Lip colours can be found in many styles of applicator but by far the most popular are the ones that come in a stick in bullet shaped holders. As lips are quite sensitive to the sun, the lipstick formulations that have built-in sunscreens are very useful. Lip-gloss can be used to add an attractive gleam to your lips when used on its own, or to catch the light if applied over your normal lipstick.

If you want to mark an outline to your lips before applying lipstick then a lip liner is the best method (this also helps to stop ‘bleeding’) and is designed for just this purpose. For a darker matte effect just apply a lip liner over the whole of your lip area. A word of caution if you do decide to use this method though is that you may need to apply a lip salve over the top to avoid drying out your lips.

Choosing a Colour:

There are many traditions that help in the selection of lipstick colours. Some of these say that you should choose rich, deep colours such as burgundy or plum reds in winter and lighter, more pastel tones such as pinks or lavenders in spring. Summer months herald the need for sheer or glossy formulations and autumn is the time for brown-based earthy colours. All this said, lipsticks are used as an expression of yourself so you don’t have to follow tradition if you don’t want to – go ahead and experiment.

Colour Guidelines:

People with a fair complexion will find that a small amount of colour will go a long way. Over the top, bright colours will look a mess so stick to nudes, beige tones, light corals or light pinks. Sheer formulas prove to be the most flattering here.

Complexions with medium colours are best suited to brown based mauves or sheer berry types of coloured lipsticks in a cream formula.

Reds, especially those with golden undertones rather than blue, are the best and most suited colours of lipstick for people with whitish complexions.

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John S. Brana is introducing to his collection new fine jewelry designs in 14K, 18K gold, and fine silver exclusively for the 12th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase. The most exciting creations include stunning cuffs in 14K and 18K gold sculpted and texturized by hand in his San Francisco studio. More than 200 guests well known in the Northern California jewelry industry are expected to attend this premier event to be held at Shreve & Co., 200 Post Street, San Francisco.

“As a first time exhibitor, I definitely wanted to bring stand-out pieces” said Brana who is best known by his clients for meticulous attention to handcrafted details in the bridge jewelry category. Brana has always worked with fine and sterling silver, bronze, copper, and semi-precious gemstones, and has embellished several designs with 14K and 18K gold. This event, however, serves to unveil his first fine jewelry collection including major creations using 14K and 18K gold.

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Popular Bollywood star, Bipasha Basu, has been named the new brand ambassador for Gitanjali’s fine jewelry brand Gili in India.

The Gili diamond jewelry chain was recently acquired by diamond and jewelry company manufacturer and retailer Gitanjali Group. Earlier this month, Gitanjali Gems signed up with Bollywood starlet Katrina Kaif to serve as its brand ambassador for the Nakshatra fine jewelry brand.

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