C J A N EW S After a m o n t h -

long hiatus, we welcome you back with our monthly newsletter! We at the CJA hope the holidays were a profitable and enjoyable time for you. The CJA has conducted several exciting board meetings in which we have laid the groundwork and schedule for 2007. We are excited to see general members taking initia-tive and assisting in the planning of events and helping to shape the face of the CJA. A few events I would like to highlight is the first CJA Trade Fair on Wednesday, May 9th. This event is Run by the Chicago Jewelers Association with participation from the Womens’ Jewelers Association. The event itself is only open to CJA, WJA and JBT members. Please see the ad on page 3 of the newsletter for more information about the Trade Fair. Also of note, we have the upcoming Midwest Jewelry Expo, which will be held March 24-25 in Madison, WI. The CJA has agreed to bring 50 new retailers to the Expo. The retailers will receive a free night’s hotel stay at the hotel sponsor of the expo. The CJA will receive a free table at the Expo as well as being listed as a sponsor (which includes being mentioned in all publicity for the Expo). If you are interested in participating or know of any industry retailers who might be, please don’t hesitate to contact the CJA offices at (312) 834-0219 or email Jenna at jenna@chicagoja.org. Please also mark your calendars for the CJA’s annual meeting on Wednesday, May 23rd. Dinner is planned (with a venue TBD), as well as a brief speaker. We look forward to seeing all of you at the meeting. This year we are taking further strides to help network all members of the jewelry industry here in Chicago. With so many niches, the CJA is aiming to be the organi-zation that can help bridge the gaps between young and old, retail and wholesale and any other different groups within the jewelry industry. I have an open door policy and wish to express that to the CJA membership. Please, any ideas, complaints and/or criticisms, don’t hesitate to contact me per-sonally either in person (my shop is at 5 S. Wabash, Chicago, Suite 814) or by phone (312-332-5999). I look forward to your vital input.

-HOWARD FRUM

CHICAGO JEWELERS ASSOCIATION

February 2007

DEAR MEMBERS,DEAR MEMBERS,DEAR MEMBERS,DEAR MEMBERS,

E d i t e d b y : J e n n a D a l g e t y & R o b e r t L o g a n

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Alvin L. Bell Jr. (Freeman Jewelers) Vice President Howard Frum (Howard Frum Jewelers) Scholarship Veronica Cardenas (Cardenas Asset Mgmt.) Past President Gary Dolinko (Mid-States Refining) Secretary Robert Sepiashvili (SEP Jewelry Tools) Treasurer D. V. Rao (Atlantic Diamond Co.) Website Administrator Ross Merritt (Windy City Jewelry & Loan) Membership Director Don Strzepek (Tucker Co.) Board of Directors Allen Lipscher (Global Diamonds)

David H. Levine (William Levine Fine Jewels)

M. Waseem (A & B Watch Repair)

Sheldon Shapiro (Sullivan Jewelry Co.)

Myriam Tashey (Professional Gem Sciences)

Vincent A. Innocenti, Sr. (The Berco Company)

Frank Ingram (Ingram Jewelers)

Tom Foody (Oro International, Inc.)

CJA Vice President Howard Frum

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Midwest Jewelry Expo Is Your Winning Combination March 24th - 25th

The Midwest Jewelry Expo is gearing up to be your winning combination for purchasing, networking, educa-tional programming and so much more. This five-state regional show is teaming up with three new sponsors: The Chicago Jewelers Association, the Women’s Jewelry Association Midwest and the Women’s Jewelry As-sociation Twin Cities. New vendors will be bringing in designs never seen before and more buyers will hit the show isles as these three new associations support the Midwest Jewelry Expo. Returning exhibitors are hoping the stock market highs will infuse the jewelry industry with opportunities of consumers looking for that one unique piece. Educational Programming will begin on Friday with a full day of GIA business programs covering Entrepre-neurship, Management, Marketing and Advertising. Each segment will give you an in-depth look at what you need to do to stay in business. A morning and afternoon hands-on session on Identifying Synthetic Diamonds will also take place. On Sunday, world-renowned speaker Bryan Dodge will present “How to Build a Better You”. The underlying thesis is: the only way a company or an organization will grow is if you grow. Once you grow, everything around you grows. He is the author of two professional development programs. Bryan’s presentations are dynamic, fun and high energy. Mark Mann with Visual Communications will be presenting “950 Palladium: Design, Service and Manufacturing Insights”. This will take place Sunday af-ternoon. With the increased use of 950 palladium for fine jewelry comes the need for understanding its unique working characteristics. Designers, retailers and bench jewelers will benefit from this presentation covering successful de-sign for palladium, techniques for ring sizing, general service work and custom order. This is just a peak at some of the educational programming. Other programs are in the works and you’ll be hearing about them soon. Lock in March 24-25 and plan to attend this show. Now is the time to spend one weekend to get the most comprehensive training in two short days. Back by popular demand is the “Tanks for Attending” gas card. We will actually give you $25 in free gas just for taking the time to drive to the show. There’s more – In addition to the $25 gas card, MJE is giving you the opportunity to win a brand new 2007 vehi-cle! More details to follow. Also come and browse our exciting Used Tool & Equipment Room where you can find many bargains or use it as a good way to get rid of things that have been taking up space.

There’s Even More! A selection of dazzling specimens from the R. Harder Gallery of Gems and Minerals will be on display in a special, first-of-its-kind ex-hibit at the Midwest Expo in 2007. The gallery, which is located in the lobby of Jewelers Mutual’s home office in Nee-nah, Wisconsin, is one of the nation’s largest private collections of gemstones and minerals in their natural form. It was recently renamed to honor Ron Harder, the company’s CEO who will retire in May, 2007. Your winning combination – The Mid-west Jewelry Expo!

PAST CJA PAST CJA PAST CJA PAST CJA ADVERTISING ADVERTISING ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORS

Global Diamond Co.

(312) 726-5500

A & B Watch Repair

(312) 263-9047

Professional Gem Sciences

(312) 920-1541

Windy City Jewelry & Loan

(773) 777-7222

Sullivan Watch & Jewelry Co.

(312) 332-1489

Atlantic Diamond Co.

(312) 236-8521

One Service, Inc

(312) 924-7860

MIDWEST JEWELRY EXPO UPDATEMIDWEST JEWELRY EXPO UPDATEMIDWEST JEWELRY EXPO UPDATEMIDWEST JEWELRY EXPO UPDATE

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To provide a forum and business re-sources for the jewelry industry so that industry mem-bers can exchange fundamental infor-mation and inno-vative ideas.

C J A MISSION C J A MISSION C J A MISSION C J A MISSION STATEMENTSTATEMENTSTATEMENTSTATEMENT

CONTACT INFOCONTACT INFOCONTACT INFOCONTACT INFO

For any questions comments and concerns with the Newsletter or CJA in general, please contact Jenna at:

28 E. Jackson Blvd., #408 Chicago, IL 60604 Phone (312) 641-5201 Fax (312) 834-0387 web: jenna@chicagoja.org http://www.chicagoja.org

Please join us for the first Midwest Trading Day! This event is to be held on Wednesday, May 9th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Jeweler’s Club (18th floor) of the Mallers Building (5 S. Wabash, Chicago). This is an opportunity for interested parties to come and sell their wares and even more interested parties to come and buy them. Members of the CJA and WJA are eligible to rent tables and this event is open to CJA, WJA and JBT members. Those interested in renting a table: tables will be available for $20. To sign up, please contact Jenna of the CJA at (312) 834-0219 or jenna@chicagoja.org. Also, cases are available through SEP Jewelry Tools of Chicago. Please contact them at (312) 541-4554 for details. Refreshments will be served and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for further emails and flyers regarding the Midwest Trading Day as we get closer to the date. Please come out and help make our inaugural Trad-ing Day a success!

CJA TRADE FAIRCJA TRADE FAIRCJA TRADE FAIRCJA TRADE FAIR

Has a vendor you use still not shipped your merchandise? Has a contractor you use not completed the job? Do you have a repairman that keeps promising to do the job, only to be still in need months later? We here at the CJA Fixer want to help you, our members, with these prob-lems. If you have a problem, call us (312-834-0219) or email us (jenna@chicagoja.org) and we will help you navi-gate the bureaucratic red tape that businesses can get caught in. Time is money and why waste that precious com-modity on something as frustrating as a 5th re-scheduling of a repair date? Let us help. We’ll take the pressure off of you so you can focus on the more important things. We’ll contact the party and make sure the job gets done.

C J A FIXERC J A FIXERC J A FIXERC J A FIXER

CJA Fixer Jenna Dalgety

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The following is an article from January 17th’s Chicago Tribune. We at the CJA urge all of you readers to please maintain extra vigilance in the wake of this travesty. It is a shock to hear of something like this hap-pening to fellow industry members, not to mention in our own backyard, so to speak. Please, take care to insure your safety, you business, your goods and your livelihood. Fake jewel dealer grabs 3-carat gem By David Heinzmann Tribune staff reporter Published January 17, 2007 The thief phoned first. In a Russian accent, he told Jewelers Row shopkeepers that he was a diamond dealer from Toronto who had met them at a Hong Kong convention, and he wished to see them about buying some gems. The next day he showed up, and while looking at several precious stones laid before him on a desk, he swiped one into a bag in his lap, Chicago police said. The 3-carat stone was worth $60,000, the victims told police. The whole thing was caught on security video, and police on Tuesday released images of the unknown thief, who they suspect may be connected to Russian organized-crime circles, said Sgt. Ed Wodnicki. The robbery happened in mid-afternoon on Jan. 9 at a jewelry store in the 5 S. Wabash Ave. building. While the man sat at a desk with a woman who worked in the shop showing him several stones, he used sleight of hand and a piece of paper momentarily laid over the stones to whisk the diamond off the desktop, Wodnicki said. He then told the store employee that he would return the next day to "conclude business" and walked out, police said. Like a handful of other addresses nearby, 5 S. Wabash is home to numerous jewelry stores, gem traders and diamond cutters and artists. Because of the manner in which the man made contact prior to robbing the store, police believe he probably spent some time studying various jewelers in the area and decided the shop might be vulnerable to a ruse, Wodnicki said. He left no fingerprints at the scene. Although gems are a popular target for thieves, the theft does not appear to be part of a pattern, Wodnicki said. Based on the images in the security video, police said, the man is 5 foot 11, 230 to 250 pounds, with black hair, a small bald spot and a thick neck. In the video he was wearing a dark overcoat. ---------- dheinzmann@tribune.com Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune

CRIME ALERTCRIME ALERTCRIME ALERTCRIME ALERT

The CJA Scholarship Fund needs money!

Jewelers have a great reputation for their generosity. Help youngsters gain a college education by giving to the CJA Scholarship Fund.

Your donation is tax deductible.

Please send all donations to:

CJA 28 E. Jackson Blvd, #408 Chicago, IL 60604

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Having trained at the Zeichenakadamie in Hanau, Ger-many and becoming a platinum and goldsmith, Leo Bachrach was 20 years old when he arrived in Chicago in 1936. He worked for some well known, old established firms (Lackritz, Hefliger, Levinson, Prosel Bros.) before starting his own firm in 1944. At 90 years old, Leo still does some bench work. Leo Bachrach’s specialty has always been fine craftsman-ship; when he learned the trade, wax models were not as in vogue as they are today. He has always specialized in handmade, one-of-a-kind creations. He has worked to-gether with his wife, Audrey, who has a fine sense of color and design, and with his son, Mark, who has been at the firm since 1977. Mark handles the day-to-day affairs of the store and both Leo and Audrey come in part-time. There are also two part-time assistants. Having been in business for 62 years has enabled Leo Bachrach and his family to establish a solid reputation. The store has clients who are the great grandchildren of come of Leo’s original customers; rare in today’s world. It is this kind of customer loyalty that helps make the specialty work so rewarding and enjoyable, hopefully to con-tinue for many, many years.

Leo A. Bachrach & Son · 55 E. Washington, Suite 801 · Chicago, Illinois · 60602 · 312-263-3111

Leobachrachjewelers.com · mark@leobachrachjewelers.com

LEO BACHRACH & SONLEO BACHRACH & SONLEO BACHRACH & SONLEO BACHRACH & SON

(from left to right) Audrey, Mark and Leo Bachrach

C J A MEMBER SPOTLIGHTC J A MEMBER SPOTLIGHTC J A MEMBER SPOTLIGHTC J A MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Wanna Buy A Watch?

Wanna Sell A Watch?

Rolex - Patek - Cartier - IWC - Etc.

Sales - Purchases- Appraisals - Resto-

rations

Howard Frum Jewelers

5 S. Wabash, Suite 814 Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 332-5999

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDSCHOLARSHIP FUNDSCHOLARSHIP FUNDSCHOLARSHIP FUND

Do you have a plan for your diamond purchases?

By Allen Lipscher of Global Diamonds

(312)726-5500

Attending jewelry shows not only gives you an opportunity to buy but also offers a chance to see what new items are be-ing created for sale by many sources without cost. When it comes to the most expensive part of your inven-tory, Loose Diamonds, do you use the same care in se-lection of your purchases as you do with other parts of your inventory such as gold chain, pearl strands? After many years of asking questions and looking at store diamond inventory, I conclude that there are 5 main rea-sons you have a loose diamond in your stores. • You inherited it with the store • It was a “trade in” on a watch • It was a lay-a-way and the customer backed out and

you couldn’t return it • You took memos from the same dealers many times

and didn’t sell anything so you felt guilty and bought one.

• You made a “diamond buying” trip and sort of had a minimum buy requirement

That is not to say any of this inventory is wrong or over-priced, but does it fill a need. Was it “on your plan”? Do you have a plan for “core inventory” to have in your store? Make a plan for what you would like to own and when you visit your next Trade Show…try to add a few that you de-cided you need for your store. Cost comparisons are easy when there are numerous competitors vying for your business. The best profit is made by “Buying Right.”

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TIP OF THE MONTHTIP OF THE MONTHTIP OF THE MONTHTIP OF THE MONTH

New York—The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will begin examining jewelry-industry anti-money-laundering (AML) programs in the fourth quarter of this year, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) r e p o r t s . At a JVC seminar at the JA New York Winter Show on Monday, IRS representative Kim Buggs said the IRS cannot conduct an AML audit and an 8300 Au-d i t a t t h e s a m e t i m e . Buggs emphasized the need for jewelers to gather up-to-date information such as contact numbers and government-issued identification cards for all new customers and vendors. IRS examiners will need to see how jewelers are identifying, detouring and reporting possible money-laundering activities, s h e s a i d . Jewelers must file Suspicious Activity Reports with the IRS if they become suspicious of vendors or customers, especially new ones, Buggs said. Sus-picious activities include: repeatedly paying in large cash sums, evasive behavior, failed phone num-bers or identification, and requests that could hide transactions from the IRS or b r e a k t h e l a w . The JVC helped the IRS develop its AML examiner's manual. Gary Dolinko Account Executive/Trader 847-298-0010 ex31 www.midstatesrecycling.com

JVC: IRS will soon examine industry AML

programs January 25, 2007

IN THE INDUSTRY. . .IN THE INDUSTRY. . .IN THE INDUSTRY. . .IN THE INDUSTRY. . .

Wednesday, May 9th, 2007 ● 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ● 5 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60603, 18th Floor

Please send completed form to:

BUSINESS NAME: _______________________________________ Mail: 28 E. Jackson Blvd. Fax: (312) 834-

TABLE (PLEASE CIRCLE): YES NO #408, Chicago, IL, 60603 0387

PERSON(S) ATTENDING: __________________________________________________________________________

FAX: _________________________ EMAIL:___________________________________________

RSVP TO THE CJA TRADE FAIRRSVP TO THE CJA TRADE FAIRRSVP TO THE CJA TRADE FAIRRSVP TO THE CJA TRADE FAIR

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March 24-25 - The Midwest Jewelry Expo now has a date! All retailers interested in attending, please con-tact the CJA offices, as there are in-centive packages involved which in-clude: a free night’s stay at the hotel sponsor of the Expo and a $100 gift certificate to use at the Expo. More and more info is coming out for the Expo, so please feel free to check in with the CJA offices for the latest. Expect a large article on the Expo in next month’s newsletter. And re-member, the CJA is a proud sponsor of this event, so let’s show them a little of what Chicago’s jewelry indus-try is about! May 9 - The CJA’s first Trade Fair will be held in the Mallers Building (5 S. Wabash, Chicago) from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Come in and shop or network. This event is open to CJA, WJA and JBT members only. Please see the article on page 3 for further information on becoming an exhibitor. May 23rd - CJA annual meeting. Please join us for an evening of food, drinks, networking and, of course, all things CJA. More info to follow as things get firmed up, so keep an eye out via email, newsletter or other mailings. We would love to have all of our membership in attendance and promise good company and good times. Of course a portion of the time will be set aside for a brief agenda and a brief guest speaker as well.

UPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTS

RECAP OF BOARD MEETING 1/24/07RECAP OF BOARD MEETING 1/24/07RECAP OF BOARD MEETING 1/24/07RECAP OF BOARD MEETING 1/24/07

CJA Trade Fair: Howard Frum introduced the subject of a trade fair. The event will take place on Wednesday May 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Jewelers Club. The cost to exhibitors will be $20 per table. Reservations will be handled by Jenna and Robert at (312) 834-0219. Checks can be made out to the CJA and mailed to: CJA, 28 E. Jack-son, Suite 408, Chicago, IL 60604. Members of the Women’s Jewelry Association and the Jewelers Board Trade will be invited to participate. Refreshments will be light, and include some non-perishable goods and supplies left over from the seminars event. . Scholarship Committee: Veronica Cardenas reported that the cur-rent balance in the scholarship fund is $40,000 and that there are no outstanding claims. After some discussion the board voted to fund two four year scholarships for $1,000 a year. CJA Dinner/Annual Meeting: A proposal was raised to hold a CJA dinner with speakers, combined with the annual meeting. The date will be Wednesday, May 23. The suggested schedule is 6:00 drinks, 7:00 meeting which will last for ten minutes or less, followed by dinner. Midwest Jewelry Expo: The Midwest Jewelry Expo will be held March 24 and 25 in Madison, Wisconsin. The CJA has committed to a goal of bringing 50 retailers to the show who have never been there before. Jenna distributed a list of local retailers with past attendees marked. The MJE will provide one free night in a hotel for each new retailer we bring. They are also providing the CJA with a free booth which needs volunteers to work. Next Meeting: The next board of directors meeting will be on Wednesday, April 11 at 5 p.m.

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MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS:

__ ONE YEAR ($100) __ TWO YEAR($150) PLEASE MAIL PAYMENT TO:

CHICAGO JEWELERS ASSOC.

PAYMENT OPTIONS: __ CHECK ENCLOSED 28 E. JACKSON BLVD., #408

__ BILL MY CREDIT CARD CHICAGO, IL 60604

FAX: (312) 834-0387

CREDIT CARD TYPE: (Circle One) VISA MASTERCARD

CREDIT CARD NUMBER: __________________________ EXPIRATION DATE: _______________

NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CREDIT CARD: __________________________________________________

SIGNATURE ______________________________________________________________________________________

JOIN THE C J A TODAYJOIN THE C J A TODAYJOIN THE C J A TODAYJOIN THE C J A TODAY

Located in the heart of Chicago’s historic Jeweler’s Row, The Tucker Company was founded in 1935 by Herman Tucker as a premium gift house. Under the guidance of his sons Sherman and Norman Tucker, the Tucker Company evolved. Today, under the direction of Mr. Donald Strzepek, the Tucker Company’s mission is to continue to be one of the Midwest’s finest diamond houses and supplier of high end fine jewelry. Mr. Strzepek has degrees from DePaul University and The Gemologi-cal Institute of America. Mr. Victor Martinez (Graduate Gemologist GIA/Designer) has taken on the innovative role of lead designer and buyer. Mr. Martinez’s designs and creations have been seen and worn both locally and nationally. Mr. Martinez has entered his fine jewelry pieces and cuff-links in several national and international competitions. Mr. Martinez has degrees from The International Academy of Design and Technology and The Gemological Institute of America in Carsbad, California. The Tucker Company has been doing business for over three generations and will continue to be a leader in the industry for the next generations.

The Tucker Company - 5 S. Wabash Ave. · Suite 507 · Chicago, Illinois · 60603 · 312-263-3315

THE TUCKER COMPANYTHE TUCKER COMPANYTHE TUCKER COMPANYTHE TUCKER COMPANY

Victor Martinez, Sherman Tucker, Don Strzepek and Vania

C J A MEMBER SPOTLIGHTC J A MEMBER SPOTLIGHTC J A MEMBER SPOTLIGHTC J A MEMBER SPOTLIGHT