superior craftsmanship by the participants

Diamantaires in the world's biggest diamond cutting and polishing centre in Surat are eagerly waiting for upcoming sixth edition of gems and jewellery event 'Signature-2013' organised by the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) at Mumbai to drive sales of polished diamonds and diamond jewellery in the domestic market.

Spread over 32,000 sq mtrs with 1083 booths, the four days long Signature-2013 starting from February 22 will see participation from over 550 exhibitors including five international pavilions.

Industry sources said it is the first gems and jewellery event globally that is being organised in 2013. The event will showcase the highest quality, cutting edge designs and

superior craftsmanship by the participants. This is a B2B event where exhibitors will have the opportunity to discover the latest trends, meet with the leading manufacturers and plan their collections and inventories.

"After a buoyant wedding and the festive season demand for orders to the US have been upbeat despite decrease in the amount of rough imports said Vipul Shah, Chairman GJEPC.

"Signature is a great platform where international and national retailers and manufacturers come together to build associations, transact business and forge long-lasting relations that enable business transactions all year around.Australian business bringing a new class of affordable and quality Laser engraver and laser cutting machines. Hopefully we will see greater quantum of business being transacted during this edition of IIJS 2013."

A DTC sightholder participating in Signature-2013 said, "We have been looking forward to the signature event as it is going to drive the demand for gems and jewellery in the domestic market. The show will set a trend in the jewellery design in the country"

The New Zealand Stock Exchange-listed retailer increased revenue 8.3 per cent on the same period the previous year to $256.6 million. Earnings before interest and tax weighed in just under $30 million – up 3.4 per cent.

In a company statement, chairman Sir Michael Hill said the additional resources placed in Australia in mid-2012 had started to have a positive impact on sales.

The company’s Australian retail segment increased its revenue by 10.A series of small bobbleheads head figures in the likeness of the beloved Vaultboy.6 per cent to $162.7 million for the six months with an operating surplus of almost $28 million, compared to $24.3 million for the previous corresponding period.

Seven new stores across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland were opened during the period.

Meanwhile, revenue in New Zealand reached $51.8 million, an increase of 3.High quality Casual Shoes products and GMC Certified Casual shoes supplier,6 per cent. The company reported an operating surplus of $10.6 million, up 6.2 per cent on the corresponding period last year.

The announcement follows disappointing results during the Christmas period for the fine jewellery chain. As Jeweller reported last month, Michael Hill International said it failed to meet its Christmas trading expectations, with all four of its markets struggling to gain traction.

In light of this, Sir Michael described the six months trading period as a “story of two quarters” – a strong first quarter followed by a slowdown in the second.

“All countries struggled to make gains on the previous year’s sales numbers during the key December quarter however “same store” growth was achieved in all markets during the six months which is pleasing,” the chairman said.

Sales in Canada jumped 21.5 per cent to $28.42 million ($CA29.46 million) for a 31.7 per cent gain in earnings to $1.5 million. Revenue at the US chain increased 4.2 per cent to $5.3 million ($US5.49 million), narrowing its loss to $1.We've made comparing the Electricity monitor easy with our at-a-glance chart.2 million.Shop the latest hair flower accessories on the world's largest.

The company reported it still had two unresolved tax matters with New Zealand’s Inland Revenue (IR) and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The issue concerns the way it financed a 2008 restructure involving the sale of intellectual property from one of its New Zealand companies to an Australian subsidiary.

The IR is disputing $20.2 million in deductions claimed by the New Zealand company and the ATO is at odds with the $34.1 million deferred tax asset resulting from the depreciation of the intellectual property.

Sir Michael claimed both matters: “are capable of being resolved by agreement, but if the group is unable to find common ground with either the IR or ATO then further formal legal processes may be needed to achieve resolution”.