More than 250 stores and a record number of vendors livedup to the “Gold Standard” theme of this year’s RJO Fall BuyingShow in Covington, Kentucky, last month. Attendees were welcomedwith timely seminars on a variety of pertinent topics, excellentspeakers, well-attended receptions, a pleasant menu of day trips andactivities and, of course, a tremendous selection of classic andtrendy offerings—including a few sneak peeks—from the country’sfinest vendors.

As you browse this issue, you’ll see photos capturing the show’senergy. Additionally you’ll learn a bit more about RJO’s upcomingtrips to Antwerp and Idar-Oberstein, a program celebrating 30 years.

RJO leadership isn’t standing still either; new Board members arebeing welcomed, lots of updates are taking place, and staff arealready busy working to make 2014’s Spring Buying Show’s returnto Savannah the best ever.

in the loupeA u g u s t 2 0 1 3 • I S S U E L I

loupeinside • Buying Show Highlights

• What Do You Charge for Appraisals?

• Marketing Matters: Don’t Miss This One

The Ultimate Jeweler Resource

in the loupeFall Buying Show

is Solid GoldShow boasts record numberof vendors, fantastic fall lines,

and dapper Derby divas

executive deskTHE EXECUTIVEdesk f rom Mar y Pete rson, CEO, RJO

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RJO Fall Buying Show 2013 • Northern Kentucky • Gold Standard

It is important to assess aspects of our business on a regularbasis to see where change is needed. We are doing just that atRJO. One of the projects we are working on is giving the Inthe Loupe newsletter a much-needed face lift. With thisupcoming change, I decided it was also time to update myarticle style and try something different. I hope you like it!

RJO Buying Shows: Did Ya Know?• You can see highlights from each day of the RJO Gold

Standard Buying Show in Northern Kentucky on ourwebsite and on our Facebook page.

• We had 173 vendors with incredible deals and products atthe show, including 14 new vendors.

• Many store owners brought staff members with them sothey could gain wonderful new knowledge to take backand put in practice at their store(s).

• There is no excuse not to mark your calendars now forour Savannah show, Southern Splendor, January 25th -27th, 2014. Remember: each store gets a $250 travelvoucher if they register by the deadline of December 27th,2013.

Resources: Did Ya Know?• The seminar handbooks from our shows are available on

our website. They are a great resource and includehandouts from every seminar offered at the shows.

• RJO has a variety of service vendors that can helpimprove your business, from promotional sales to creditcard processing. Be sure to check out the online VendorDirectory first, for all your product and service needs.

• You can call the RJO office and ask for me—MaryPeterson—if you want to chat about ideas or to discussways to help your business.

• One of your greatest resources is your staff. Make sureyou have regular meetings with them to hear their ideas.We would like to hear from you on what resources wouldbe valuable to you!

Opportunities: Did Ya Know?• Attending one of the Bridge programs offered by Stuller

and supported by RJO will leave you educated, motivatedand inspired. Stuller is offering an RJO specific sessionOctober 7 – 9, 2013. You can get details and dates on theStuller website: www.bridge.stuller.com/microsites

• Going on an RJO buying trip to Antwerp/Idar-Obersteinor Israel in October allows you an incredible experienceand increased sales. It is not too late to sign up! Just callthe RJO office or check out the RJO website.

RJO CEO

Did Ya Know?

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RJO Fall Buying Show 2013 • Northern Kentucky • Gold Standard

S E R V I C E S

Centralized BillingPatronage Dividend

RJO Website (rjomembers.com)Buying Shows (Fall/Spring)

RJO Chat ChannelIn the Loupe – RJO’s newsletterFree Print and Radio Ad Library

(on the RJO website)Educational Seminars (at the Buying Shows)

Member-to-Member IncentiveProgram (Recruitment Program)

Organized Buying Trips to Antwerp and Idar-Oberstein

RJO DirectoryPeer Performance ProgramTravel Vouchers at Shows (offered at varying times)

Free Hotel Room Incentive (at the Buying Shows)

RJO Informational E-mail Blasts Purchase Vouchers

(at the Buying Shows)RJO Membership Certificate

Education on the Go Podcastsand Webinars

Private Label Credit Card ServiceJewelConnect

After 30 years, one would think that therecouldn’t be very many “firsts.” Yet, withRJO sponsored overseas trips celebratingits three-decade milestone, the upcomingtrip will feature many “firsts.”

Chiefly, first-time travelers. According toone of the trip hosts, Connie Matsen,“Many of those traveling this fall are first-timers, and of course, all are first-timetravelers to Israel, as this is our inauguraltrip.”

Being first also has its advantages, asevery first-time traveler to Antwerp willreceive a number of perks (once airfare isconfirmed):

• $250 from Rosy Blue, as well as freemarketing materials.

• $250 from Schurhammer Mfg, alongwith a flat-screen TV/DVD player, andfree marketing materials.

Be a part of RJO history and join theinaugural Israel Experience trip. The tripwill take you along some of the mostexotic backdrops of Israel, while touring

seven RJO vendors in one of the largestand most important diamond centersworldwide —an excursion that will giveyou a heady mix of business and pleasure.

Joining the buying trips to any of theseinternational destinations allows you tofocus on your diamond business whileRJO takes care of the rest.

For more information about the trips toEurope or about its related marketingprogram, contact RJO’s OverseasCoordinator Connie Matsen in the RJOOffice at: 800-247-1774 or via e-mail at:cmatsen@rjomembers.com. Says Matsen,“There is plenty of time to sign-up, as wellas space available for both trips.”

Only Two Months Away: Antwerp/Idar-Oberstein and Israel

2013 Fall DatesAntwerp: Oct 5-10; Oct 12-17

Idar-Oberstein: Oct 10-14; Oct 17-21first trip is hosted by Liz Schlauch and Jeff Horlacher;

the second by Connie and Steve Matsen

Israel: Oct 18-26hosted by Jeff Wickersham and Jennifer Zacharias

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RJO Fall Buying Show 2013 • Northern Kentucky • Gold Standard

Post: We have a good customer that brought in 33 items to be appraised or have appraisals updated. All but three of theitems were purchased here. We are not sure what to charge. Just wondering what others would do in this situation. Should we not charge for the items that were purchased here, even though a lot of time was involved? Or should wecharge a minimal fee?

Response One: We charge $65 for appraisals on items purchased in our store. Our regular fee is $85. I pay every business I deal with for additional services provided; I see no reason a jeweler would give away their service. There are exceptions toevery rule. I do have customers who do 50K-100K a year on a single item with me. They get appraisals at no charge.

Response Two: The first appraisal on anything purchased from us is included. Updates are half of whatever the “normal” feewould be for a similar item. The “normal” fees that I charge are: $25 for items that are gold only (no gemstones or diamonds); $45 for basic diamond or gemstone items; and $45.00 plus an additional charge for time spent on items that require moreresearch, (i.e., gem weight calculations or testing). This additional charge is usually $60 per hour.I recently hired both an electrician and a plumber who charged $85 and $95 per hour, so I should probably rethink my laborcharges. My professional time is worth just as much as theirs.

Response Three: I agree with the above response: Don’t give your expertise away. If you do that, then the customer feels thereis no value to it or your knowledge. Your time and knowledge is worth something. If you don’t feel that you can charge extra foran appraisal on something that you sold, then add the cost of an appraisal into every jewelry item that you sell that wouldnormally need an appraisal. That way you get paid for your time and knowledge, and the customer is happy too.

Response Four: A car dealer will charge $25 to put a new battery into your car keyring, yet you can buy the very same batteryfrom Stuller for $1.50, tops. I charge $100 for the first piece to set up in our system and $45 for each additional piece that I setup. For example, an appraisal for an engagement ring and plain band is $100, for an engagement ring and diamond band: $145.If the item is purchased from me, the appraisal is free to the buyer at time of purchase. Since the item is already in the system,updates are half-price. What does your attorney charge per hour for legal work? $200? $500? Well, an appraisal is a legaldocument, you know.

From the RJO Chat Room The Chat Room on the RJO website (www.rjomembers.com) hosts a

variety of interesting discussions each month. Here’s an edited post—and responses to it—that can be found in the

RJO Jeweler Business area, under the heading “Appraisal Fee“

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PAGE 5

Interings: Celebrating a lifetime of achievementAt last month’s Buying Show in Kentucky, RJO bestowed its annualLifetime Achievement Award to Prakash Mehta, founder and ownerof the New York-based, family-run Interings, Inc.

“On behalf of my family and from the bottom of our hearts, I wouldlike to thank RJO for this great honor,” says Prakash. “I am veryhumbled and would like to mention that this was indeed one of the bestdays of my life. We had a great show as well, so thanks to the wholeRJO Board and everyone who showed so much love and warmth.”

Interings is among the very first Indian companies to startmanufacturing and selling jewelry to retailers. The business was startedin 1981, and from a one-man operation has grown into a companyserving jewelers from all over the country and overseas for more than25 years.

Interings is managed and run byPrakash Mehta, his wife Sarayu(both are shown in this photo,along with their son Bhavin,and RJO President TerryDickens) and their two sonsBhavin and Gaurav. Prakash hasbeen in the jewelry and diamondindustry since 1976, Bhavinsince 1996 and Gaurav since2000.

“The name comes from connecting ‘international’ with ‘rings,’” saysPrakash. “We are fortunate it has a nice sound to it.” Starting byoffering a small line of diamond earrings and pendants, Interingstoday is selling a full line of fine jewelry. “We sell all types of gold,

platinum and diamond jewelry,” says Prakash. “Besides jewelry,Interings also sells loose diamonds and colored stones to ourcustomers. We buy our diamonds and jewelry from open markets inthe United States, India, Hong Kong, China and Bangkok. We alsoproduce a substantial part of the jewelry in the United States byusing sub-contractors.”

All sales are made by Prakash and his sons, with the help of salesassociates. “We use various jewelry shows as well as telemarketingto generate sales,” says Prakash, “And different flyers are used formarketing and selling for important holidays, such as Valentine’sDay, Mother’s Day and Christmas.”

The orders from customers are taken at the shows, and merchandise ismade per order. The flyers are also sold to customersand are supported by merchandise. Interings sales forthe past three years have been growing steadily withabout a ten percent increase per year.

Currently Interings serves about 5,000 customers,comprised of small Mom-and-Pop retailers to multi-million dollar stores. Interings currently exhibits in18 different jewelry shows and is a member in allmajor jewelry organizations.

Future plans for Interings include expanding thejewelry business to guild stores. Prakash saysInterings plans to increase its large diamond and

color stone business, and has launched a business-to-businesswebsite for marketing purposes.Interings, Inc. is located at 450 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1909, New York, NY. Phone: 800-223-7868. Website: www.interings.com

RJO Fall Buying Show 2013 • Northern Kentucky • Gold Standard

VENDOR spotlight

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JewelConnect releases “DiamondRetailer Platform”

RJO Fall Buying Show 2013 • Northern Kentucky • Gold Standard

Make Sure RJO HasYour Most

Up-to-Date E-mailAddresses

To make our contacts with you moreefficient and timely, RJO is increasing theuse of e-mail as a contact medium.

From regular electronic newsletters tobuying show announcements, our e-mail notifications are getting morecommon and more important.

If you’ve changed your e-mail addresslately or would prefer to receive RJOcommunications at a different address,please let us know.

Address updates and changes can bedirected to Mary Harger in the RJO officeat: mary@rjomembers.comor call the RJO office at: 800-247-1774.

For more than three years,RJO retailers have been ableto see thousands of RJO-vendor loose diamonds in theJewelConnect.com DiamondLibrary. Retailers also havebeen asking JewelConnect ifthese stones could be shownon their websites. Well, nowthey can.

JewelConnect released the“Diamond Retailer Platform”in July at the RJO BuyingShow in Covington. Theplatform allows jewelers to select theirown vendors, markups and labs, and thencustomize the stones they display on theirJewelConnect site. Of course, beingmobile-friendly, the new platform alsomakes these available on mobile devices,making it easy for retailers to compete inthe loose stone online market.

“We even built-in a system to allow aPayPal purchase,” says Andrew Boundy,JewelConnect’s web developer andsystems manager. “We are not fans ofonline selling, but some of the retailerswanted it, so who were we to say ‘no?’”

An example PRO store with built-indiamonds, user-loaded specials, mobile

integration and much more, may beviewed at: www.jewelconnect.com/9053295155

Additionally, you may view the site byscanning the QR code below with yoursmartphone.

PAGE 7

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RJO Fall Buying Show 2013 • Northern Kentucky • Gold Standard

JEWELER spotlight Wiley’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry:

From rock-collecting kid to fine jewelerThe owner of Wiley’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry in Waxahachie,Texas, has always liked stones. “As a youngster I was a rock collector,”he says, “and as an adult I’ve taken it to a whole new level.”

“The career choice was on somewhat of a whim, as my firstexperimentation with college was unsuccessful,” says KendallWiley. “I had a friend that was a manager of a jewelry chain store,and I thought being a jeweler would be a cool profession. At thetime I was living in Dallas, so I did some research and found TheTexas Institute of Jewelry Technology at Paris Junior College. Igraduated from there, and I was blessed to land a job with a highvolume-jeweler in Dallas. That gave me an opportunity to learn asmuch as I wanted.”

In 1994 Wiley’s priorities were changing, as he was newly marriedand also a new father. “Living in the city was becoming less andless appealing, so my wife and I decided to take a chance andmove to a little town 25 miles south of Dallas called Waxahachie.With a $5,000 credit card and my wife Michelle supporting uswith her income, I worked with some vendors with whom I hadbuilt a relationship and were willing to memo me some inventory.”

Wiley’s Diamonds and Gifts was born. From a 1,300 square-footspace in a strip center, Wiley’s built a freestanding retail center in1996. The new location houses Wiley’s and two retail spaces.

“As a retail jeweler in a rural area, it’s always been my goal tokeep local money local,” says Wiley. “My philosophy is simple:

Treat people the way you would want to be treated, offer greatquality merchandise at a good price, and service what you sell. It’sbeen my experience that most people want to shop local, but youhave to have the inventory and not necessarily brand names.”

He says the only brand that’s important around here is his own. “Wehave plenty of people walking in looking for the brands,” saysWiley, “but once they see our selection and quality, most decide thatspending the extra money for the name doesn’t make any sense.”

“We have been in RJO for a few years and have really enjoyed thebuying shows,” he continues. “Everyone is so friendly and downto earth. We are always looking for the next great line, newtechnology and are always trying to stay on top of the trends. It’sgreat to be able to work a show and have time to get to knowpeople that may become partners for years to come. Those earlyrelationships are important; I was given the opportunity to buildmy life and business because of them. I will always be grateful tothose individuals, some of whom I still do business with.”

Ending his thoughts about his store, Wiley muses, “I’ve been inthe jewelry profession for 33 years, but I’m still the same rockcollecting kid, except I’ve gotten a little older, and my collectionhas just gotten bigger. I’m hoping my customers continue to likemy collection as much as they have in years past.”

Wiley’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry is located at 2251 Brown St. #102,Waxahachie, Texas. Phone: 972-937-4422. Website: www.wileysjewelry.com

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RJO Fall Buying Show 2013 • Northern Kentucky • Gold Standard

Board NewsElections were held this spring with four positions up for re-election. Five candidates ran for the positions, and these 2014elected board members were announced at the Fall Buying Show:Bill Becker (Becker’s Jewelers), Rich McIntosh (McIntosh Jewelry),Liz Schlauch (Barany Jewelers), and Mark Callis (Bichsel Jewelry).RJO management, board and staff would like to extend heartfeltthanks to Tom Davis (Thomas A. Davis Jewelers) for his manyyears of service on the RJO Board of Directors and the RJOMerchandise Review Committee. Thank you Tom!

RJO Members in the NewsAt the Iowa Jewelers Association (IJA) annual meeting, thefollowing RJO members were nominated and chosen to serve asnew IJA Board members: Kate Dickens (Herteen & StockerJewelers) and Bill Hammond (Bill’s Jewelry Inc.). The following RJO members were elected officers by the IJABoard: Second VP—Steve Copler (Copler Fine Jewelry); andSecretary—Will Doland (Doland Jewelers).The IJA also created the Society of Fellows, which in essence is theIJA Hall of Fame. This inaugural Society of Fellows honored thefollowing RJO members: Willa Dickens (Herteen & StockerJewelers), Hjalle Hellberg (Hellberg’s Jewelers), Vic Hellberg(Hellberg’s Jewelers), Robert Morrissey (Morrissey’s Fine Jewelry),Evelyn Wedel (Iowa Jewelers Supply), and Woody Wedel (IowaJewelers Supply).

classifiedsFor Sale: Retirement is coming up, and we need to sell thefollowing items: 13 pieces of glass-fronted cases; most are 6-feetwide, with storage, cash counter, credenzas of various sizes, wallcases, wrapping station, safes, office goods, etc. Perfect forbeginner set-up or second-store locations. Please call WayneStarkey in Maryland: 301-845-2200. To view photos, e-mailWayne at: Wstarkey666@aol.com

Meet the RJO Staff: Connie MatsenIf you are familiar with the annual RJO-sponsoredAntwerp/Idar-Oberstein trips, you’ve no doubt noted that thecoordinator for the trips is Connie Matsen. Matsen is finishingup her 13th year working at RJO. When not working on the tripsabroad, Matsen works about 35 hours a week as a clerk for RJO.Many members also know her from the Buying Shows, whereshe’s involved in several aspects of each show.

Though an experienced traveler now, Matsen’s first overseasexcursion was in 2004, then joined by her husband Steve. Thetwo now serve as hosts for one of the trips each year. “I willnever forget the first trip or any trip after,” says Matsen. “Icouldn’t imagine Connie Matsen—from Newton, Iowa—inAntwerp Belgium, the Diamond Capitol of the World.”

Matsen identifies closely with Newton, home of RJO’s mainoffice. She grew up there, went to high school there, and nowlives there. “I married my high school sweetheart, my bestfriend, and the love of my life—Steve,” says Matsen. “I amproud to say we have been married for 43 years. We wereblessed with a beautiful daughter—Mindi Sue—who marriedKerry Walker; they have given us two wonderful grandsons. Weenjoy every minute with them and are busy attending the boys’activities.”

“We also were foster parentsfor five years,” continuesMatsen, “had an exchangestudent from Denmark, andtwo exchange students fromGermany. We always have hada very busy home. We enjoyspending time with our family,and friends. We love traveling,going to movies, eating out.If the wheels are turning, weare going!”

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RJO Fall Buying Show 2013 • Northern Kentucky • Gold Standard

I’ve talked a lot about how to market andadvertise your stores, and I’ve highlighteda number of important “dos.” So how abouta few “don’ts” to even the scale a bit andgive you an idea of things to avoid?

The title of this piece could easily be: Don’tthink that what you did in the past will stillwork today!

We all know what happens when you ass-u-me, but the other thing that happensis that your business could be negativelyimpacted every day. If you assume thatpeople know who you are, you areprobably wrong. Certainly a lot of peopledo, but never assume that enough peopleknow. People move in and out of towns—large and small—everyday. You might loseyour best customer and pick up a greatnew customer in the same week.

Continue to advertise, to network in thecommunity, to donate your time, talentsand treasures in the community andhand out business cards like they are candy.You can never have too much visibility!

Along those same lines, don’t assume thatpeople know what you do. Have youadded product lines or dropped anyrecently? If you are like most businesses,your store—and the merchandise in it—isconstantly evolving, getting better and

improving your bottom line. Don’t beafraid to tell people exactly what you do.

Do people know that you are an expert in________? Feel free to fill in the blank, butmake sure people know not only what youdo, but what you are good at and what yourexpertise is in. Don’t assume that theyalready know. People want to do businesswith the expert. Make sure that they knowyou are that expert.

I have a very well-known lumber yard as aclient. A few years ago they built abeautiful showroom for consumers to visitbefore they started a new home or aremodel. They had kind of gotten used tovery little traffic in that area. I camein and suggested a name change to the“Idea Center” and suggested they invitecustomers to visit.

I spoke with the marketing director lastmonth, and after three years of commercialsand marketing promoting this idea, theyhave had to hire seven people to handle theincreased traffic. They actually have notadvertised most of this year because theycan’t find enough good employees tohandle the traffic. Nice problem.

People are very open to ideas, and for themost part they will do what you askthem to do. But you need to ask!

My final “don’t” is one that I see andexperience everyday: Don’t get lazy!

My son received a text two weeks ago froma friend asking if he would be in hiswedding party. By text!?

Even email would be tacky.

If you need to communicate with a currentcustomer or potential customer—andyou do!—there is no replacement for apersonal phone call. Better yet, write ahand-written note. In our world, people justdon’t do that anymore, so yours will standout all the more!

If everyone else wants to be lazy and havepoor manners, it will take little timeand effort to really make a greatimpression.

Marketing Matters:You don’t want to miss this column

Michael C. Woody isPresident and Chief

Idea Officer of CapitalIdeas. He has nearly 30years of experience intelevision advertising

and loyalty marketing.Phone: 515-556-5373.

E-mail: MichaelC@ideas2burn.comWebsite: www.ideas2burn.com

I n T h e L o u p e

Prize Drawing WinnersFive (5) Pairs Petrol EyewearDonated by Box Brokers- Doris Truax, Butler Truax- Angie Becker, Becker Jewelers- Amy Molfese, Bella Cosa Jewelers- Mike Eckerman, Eckermans, Inc.- Mike Eckerman, Eckermans, Inc.

$250 Legal Seafood Gift CardDonated by Connoisseur ProductsMoser Jewelers

$100 Visa Gift CardDonated by TD Retail Card ServicesBradley’s Jewelers

All Items in BoothDonated by George Preisner PewterKent Jewelry

Free OrderDonated by George Preisner PewterYocom Jewelry

KindleDonated by BijouThomas A. Davis Jewelers

iPadDonated by Victor Corp.Krumenacher Jewelers

Round Brilliant DiamondDonated by Bauman Massa! ct: Hawthorne Jewelry" ct: Mincemoyer Jewelry1 ct: Woelfel Jewelry

.55 ct Floating DiamondDonated by Paul Reiser & AssociatesGoldsmith Jewelers (OH)

Cash Giveaway—Jewelers$100: Kara Raterman, Becker Jewelers$100: Treva Roberts, Diamond & Design$200: Dale Bedsaul, Dale’s Jewelry$200: Chip Stone, Stonecraft Jewelers$200: Mary Taylor, York Jewelers$200: Jim Sickinger, Sickinger’s Jewelry$500: Jean McIntosh, McIntosh Jewelry(see photo below)

Cash Giveaway—Vendors$50: B & B$50: Agem$50: Adajio$50: Blitz Mfg.

Meet-a-Vendor Challenge$250: Anderson Jewelry$500: Rome Jewelers$750: Carroll-Ochs Jewelers

Best in Show—Vendor SpecialMercury Ring

Three (3) $1000All-inclusive Idar-Oberstein TripsSponsored by Hans-Dieter Haag1st-Time Travelers: Jewelers Workshop;Holt’s JewelryVeteran Traveler: Victor Settle Jewelry

Two (2) $400 Israel Travel Voucher- Hawthorne Jewelry- Yocom Jewelry

PRIZE WINNERS

RJO was proud to donate $710 to Pathways Adult Health Center. Thank you to all the members and vendors who donated.

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RJO Fall Buying Show 2013 • Northern Kentucky • Gold Standard

I n T h e L o u p e

A & D GEM CORPORATIONALLISON-KAUFMANBENY SOFER, INC.

CHERIE DORICOLOR MERCHANTS

CONCEPT MARKETINGDARLING IMPORTS

DIAMOND EXPRESSIONSDORA INTERNATIONAL

EDGE BY ABBOTT & SHAPIROFABLE DESIGNS

FEDERATED INSURANCEGAGE & GAGE

INTERINGSJEWELERS MUTUAL

INSURANCE CO.

JEWELEXK. GIRDHARLAL

KAMELEON JEWELRY /JEWELPOP

LEVY CREATIONSMARTIN E. JACOBSON LTD.

NORTH AMERICANJEWELERS

NTR METALSOFER MIZRAHI DIAMONDS,

INCPANCIS GEMS

SIMON GOLUB & SONSSOL SAVRANSKY DIAMONDS

STULLER, INC.VICTOR CORPORATION

YCH, INC

2013 Fall Buying Show Sponsors

2013 GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORSAladdin

Bertke Brothers, LLCBijou Jewelers, Inc.Box Brokers Group

Diamond Expressions, Inc.Dora International

Fantasy Diamond Co. Kelly Waters

Kirchner CorpL & J Mfg.

Libman North American Jewelers

Oro InternationalOstbye

Pancis Gems Inc.Reactor WatchRDI DiamondsShah Diamonds

Signature Engraving Systems, Inc.Southern Jewelry News

SpeidelTavannes Watch Co (USA) LLC

The Kingswood Company

PAGE 11

ANTWERP/IDAR-OBERSTEINSPONSORS

HANS-DIETERHAAG

INTERJEWEL U.S.A. INC

ROSY BLUETRADING, INC.

SCHURHAMMERMFG. INC.

ISRAEL TRIPSPONSORS

BAUMAN MASSAJEWELRY CO. CHERIE DORI

FISCHER DIAMONDS INC. OFER MIZRAHIDIAMONDS INC.

PANCIS GEMS INC. ROSY BLUE TRADING CO.

SOL SAVRANSKYDIAMONDS

RJO President Terry Dickensis shown presenting the

following awards

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARDStuller, Inc.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE YEARAubre Ford, RDI Diamonds

Craig Doerhoeff, Seiko

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDPrakash Mehta, Interings

(see article on page 5)

DIAMOND IMPORTER OF THE YEAR

Olin Mefford, Mefford’s Jewelers

VENDOR OF THE YEAR (Loose Goods)

RDI DiamondsVENDOR OF THE YEAR (Finished Goods)

OstbyeNot pictured: Allison-Kaufman

VENDOR OF THE YEAR (Loose Goods)

Schurhammer Mfg. Inc.VENDOR OF THE YEAR (Service/Specialty Products)

Stuller, Inc.

AWARD WINNERS

Bradley’s Jewelers, Inc.Brad Padgett, Susan Sweeny

Jacksonville, NCReferred by Ashley Green Miller,Greens Jewelers, Roxboro, NC

Diamond JewelersJeff Goodman

Gulf Shores, ALReferred by Liz Maggio, MichaelsReflections in Gold, Venice, FL

Frank Jewelers of FreeportGary & Debra Fontana, Chris Zipse

Freeport, ILReferred by Don Sanborn,Sanborn’s, Muskegon, MI

Goff Jewelers, Inc.Steven Goff, Brian Goff

Staten Island, NYReferred by Jeff Weiss, GlennPeters Jewelers, Albany, NY

Harris JewelerBonnie Harris Frey, Allison Davis

Troy, OH

JR Dunn JewelerJR Dunn, Bonnie Dunn

Morehead City, NCReferred by Ashley Green Miller,Greens Jewelers, Roxboro, NC

Master JewelersTerry McMullin, Jackie Mullin

Olive Branch, MS

Puckett’s JewelryDavid & Martha Puckett

Benton, KYReferred by Allen Stricklin, Jewelex,

New York, NY

W.P. Shelton JewelersTerry & Cathy ReedOcean Springs, MS

August 23All invoices due in RJO Office.

September 2Labor Day - RJO Office closed.

September 10All payments must be received in RJOOffice.

September 23All invoices due in RJO Office.

October 10All payments must be received in RJOOffice.

October 23All invoices due in RJO Office.

P.O. Box 1045 Newton, Iowa 50208 800 -247 -1774 FAX: 641 -792 -9251 r jomembers .com

The Ultimate Jeweler Resource

CALENDAR OF events

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAIDBRAINERD MNPERMIT NO 472

PAGE 12

NEW members

Jewelers referring new members to our group will receive a $1,000 finder’s fee for their referral, payable after a new member has been in good standing for six months.