NRF to Congress: Round 2 of economic stimulus needed
Washington--The National Retail Federation (NRF) is calling on Congress to hold a lame-duck session as soon as possible to address the country's financial state and to include tax relief for consumers...
NRF to Congress: Round 2 of economic stimulus needed
Washington—The National Retail Federation (NRF) is calling on Congress to hold a lame-duck session as soon as possible to address the country's financial state and to include tax relief for...
Burmese ruby ban takes effect
Washington--A long-expected U.S. ban on gemstones from Myanmar took effect on Monday, 60 days from the date that President Bush signed the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008 into law.
ICA: Gem ban could hurt Burmese miners, traders
New York—The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) is expressing concern that the recently approved U.S. import ban on gemstones from Myanmar may "cause collateral damage" that will...
U.S. Congress passes Burmese gem ban
Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Senate passed a bill late Tuesday to place a total embargo on the importation of gemstones from Myanmar, including gemstones that are mined there and subsequently pass...
JA applauds Burmese gem ban
New York—Jewelers of America (JA) commends the U.S. Congress for its passage this week of a bill banning Burmese gemstones, a measure JA has been advocating for some time.
J.C. Penney named 'Best Place to Work'
Plano, Texas—For the second consecutive year, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has given J.C. Penney a top rating on its Corporate Equality Index, which measures employers on their treatment of...
Report: Kimberley Process becoming less effective
Ottawa, Ontario—The Kimberley Process, the steps put in place to stop the trade of "blood" diamonds, is losing ground in some of the world's most troubled countries, a new report shows.
Bush signs intellectual property protection act
Washington--President Bush has signed into law a new intellectual property protection act, one that covers everything from software and music to clothing and accessories, including jewelry.
JA praises passage of store-improvement legislation
New York--Jewelers of America (JA) welcomes the two-year extension of the 15-year depreciation on store improvements recently signed into law by President Bush.
JA praises passage of store-improvement legislation
New York—Jewelers of America (JA) welcomes the two-year extension of the 15-year depreciation on store improvements recently signed into law by President Bush.
Birks and Mayors to launch Botswana Diamonds as brand
Montreal—Retail jeweler Birks and Mayors Inc. has locked up sole distributorship of Botswana Diamonds in North America, the company has announced.
FinCEN issues new guidance for jewelry dealers
New York—The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued new guidance for the jewelry industry clarifying the risk assessment to be performed by dealers of precious metals,...
U.S.-Belgian treaty cuts double taxation
Washington, D.C.—A new treaty between the United States and Belgium designed to avoid double taxation is the first in a series of measures the Belgian government is taking to draw more foreign...
Retailers welcome economic-stimulus legislation
Washington, D.C.—The National Retail Federation (NRF) welcomed an agreement on economic-stimulus legislation reached yesterday between the Bush Administration and House leaders.
In jewelry industry, candidates face hard sell
New York--Whether they lean left or right, the majority of retail jewelers appear united on one thing: The importance of the upcoming presidential election cannot be overstated.
Survey: Small-business optimism shrinking
New York--Economic challenges and rising energy costs have small-business owners feeling less secure about their future, according to a semi-annual survey of business owners by American Express Open.
JVC goes 'green' with new compliance kit
New York—The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) is the latest industry organization to go "green," releasing an eco-friendly Green USA Patriot Act Compliance Kit, or Green Pack.
Retail e-commerce rebounds in April
Reston, Va.—Retail e-commerce increased 15 percent in April compared with the same period last year, following an increase of just 9 percent in March, according to comScore Inc.
Survey: Small-business optimism shrinking
New York—Economic challenges and rising energy costs have small-business owners feeling less secure about their future, according to a semi-annual survey of business owners by American Express...