IGI Series Stresses Growth at Jewelry Shanghai 2010

USA - English

• USA - English

SHANGHAI, April 7 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- World-leading gem lab International Gemological Institute (IGI) will host an industry seminar entitled "Earning Trust - Achieving Sales" April 9 at Jewelry Shanghai 2010, which runs through April 12.

The talk, which is viewed as the highlight of IGI's participation in Shanghai's premier jewelry event, will be given by Howard M Pomerantz, President of Premier Diamond Group and Global Ambassador of WFDB Mark. WFDB Mark symbolizes affiliation with the world federation of diamond exchanges.

The talk targeting owners and sales managers of major jewelry retailers from Shanghai and across China, will focus on "trust-building" and developing not just new business, but working all out to win repeat and referral business.

His talk will be the fifth in an annual series of lectures on industry topics sponsored by IGI at Jewelry Shanghai.

Speaking on the event, Marc Brauner, IGI's Hong Kong-based CEO, said growth will remain the overarching theme of China's jewelry consumer market for years to come.

"I am sure many Chinese jewelers share our view on the benefits of investing in customer trust to win the lion's share of that growth," he said. "Only China is growing on this massive scale - and Howard's presentation set out tremendous ideas on how to turn trust into capital to 'manufacture' sales again and again."

Brauner called the series a key part of IGI's education initiatives in China. Just before Chinese New Year, IGI signed an agreement with Fudan University's Shanghai Institute of Visual Art to jointly develop new gemological programs as part of the schools' jewelry design curriculum.

Besides its high-profile participation at Jewelry Shanghai, and at upcoming shows in Shenzhen and Beijing, IGI will be a major player at the Diamond Exhibition Corner in the Belgian EU Pavilion at Shanghai World Expo. The world's fair will showcase 180 countries, 230 pavilions and is expected to attract 70m visitors.

Noted Brauner, "IGI's support of the World Expo is yet another reflection of our shared desire to see Shanghai -- and China -- succeed in building better urban environments for a better life for all."

About IGI

The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world's largest independent laboratory for testing and evaluating gemstones and fine jewelry, was established in 1975 in Antwerp and is located in New York City, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Dubai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, Toronto, Kolkata, New Delhi and Surat. IGI is an ISO accredited worldwide organization. For additional information, please visit http://www.igiworldwide.com .

About Howard M. Pomerantz

Howard M. Pomerantz, President, Premier Diamond Group, was raised in a family retail jewelry business. Currently he serves as global Ambassador for the World Federation of Diamond Bourses Mark (WFDB Mark), writes the "Now and Next" column for Diamond World Magazine and remains a senior advisor to multi- national jewelry companies.

Howard was Executive Director of GIA Instruments where he designed and holds a patent for inventing the GIA digital microscope. In the 1980's he became Managing Director of Kerr Lab where he developed jewelry investment powder that allowed for diamond or gem stones to be set in wax allowing for the casting of hot metal in the investment.

As a past senior advisor to Martin Rapaport, Howard helped develop a strategic plan for Fair Trade Diamonds. Howard has also been a guest lecturer at various jewelry industry forums held in Switzerland, Italy, Russia, India, South Africa and here in China.

Pomerantz has been a Board Member of many industry organizations. He is currently active in the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA), The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), the World Diamond Council (WDC) and the Jewelers 24kt Club.

In 2006 he was bestowed an honorary title, "Ambassador to the United States" from the Israel Diamond Bourse" and recently Howard earned an Executive Masters Degree in International Business from Pepperdine University prestigious Graduate School of Business. He resides in Newport Beach, California

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SOURCE International Gemological Institute (IGI)