‘Gems Among Us’ Essay Contest

You don’t have to be passionate about jewelry, although it helps, to participate in an essay contest sponsored by the jewelry industry. Called, “Gems Among Us.” People are asked to write an essay describing the individuals they believe make the world a better place.

The contest is sponsored by the Jewelry Information Center, which promotes jewelry to consumers. The contest is designed to help people honor the individuals for whom they are most thankful in the run-up to the Thanksgiving holiday.

People can enter their essays through October 25 at www.JIC.org/gemcontest. On November 1, the top 10 Gems Among Us essays will be selected as finalists. From November 1-22, the public will be able to vote at www.JIC.org for their favorite essay to determine the grand-prize winner.

Contest participants have the chance to win a number of jewelry and travel prizes. The grand-prize essay's nominee—the "Gem Among Us"—will win a trip for two to the Aventura Spa Palace Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, courtesy of Cosmopolitan magazine. The grand-prize essay entrant will win a $5,000 shopping spree at a Gems Among Us Participating Retailer of their choice. The top 10 essay entrants (writers) will receive gemstone jewelry by Parle; their "Gem" (nominees) will receive jewelry courtesy of Stuller Inc., and "The Pocket Heart" from The Loving Heart Collection by Jean Schnaak.

Aaron Shum Jewelry Opens Middle East Headquarters in Dubai

Hong-Kong-based jewelry wholesaler Aaron Shum Jewelry opened an office and showroom in Dubai at Gold Land (pictured) that will feature the company’s collection of jewelry and timepieces.

The Dubai operation will serve as Aaron Shum Jewelry's hub for the Middle East region. The company has an established presence in Hong Kong, Japan, Europe, USA, Australia and China.

“Over the past decade, Aaron Shum Jewelry has forged strong relationships with gold and jewelry retailers, designing and manufacturing exclusive jewelry brands for several leading retailers in the Middle East,” said Aaron Shum, owner of his namesakes company. “With the opening of our Middle East headquarters in Dubai, we are consolidating our presence here and will embark on a focused regional expansion strategy.”

Among the products being showcased at the Dubai headquarters are the Coronet Solitaire, which amalgamates six diamonds on an elevated centerpiece to create a solitaire effect; the Gemtique collection, which features gemstones and jewels, set in variants of 18k white, rose and yellow gold; and the La Posy Collection, which blends colored gemstones and jewels.