Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
CollectionsAug 12, 2016
Apple Watch to hit stores in April
The much-anticipated smartwatch, which comes in 18-karat gold, will be sold in select specialty stores in addition to Apple’s own.
During an event held at its Cupertino headquarters and live-streamed over the Internet, Apple said its much-anticipated smartwatch will become fully available April 24 in the United States, Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, China, France, the United Kingdom and Germany.
The Apple Watch will be available to preview at three stores outside the U.S. on April 10 and be sold there at shop-in-shops, as well as at “boutiques in major cities across the world,” including Maxfield in Los Angeles, a high-end store that carries both new and vintage clothing, shoes and accessories.
Apple initially will offer three collections of its 38mm and 42mm timepiece: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition.
Apple Watch Sport will be available with an aluminum alloy face with colored bands, and will start at $349. Apple Watch is made in a stainless steel alloy, and will start at $549. Apple Watch Edition, available in 18-karat yellow and rose gold, will start at $10,000 and go up to as much as $17,000.
“It’s the most personal device we have ever created,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said at Monday’s event, during which the company also made announcements about other products. “It’s not just with you, it’s on you. And since what you wear is an expression of who you are, we designed Apple Watch to appeal to a whole variety of people.”
So, what can the watch do?
Cook said it is “the most advanced timepiece ever created” and is accurate to within 15 milliseconds of Coordinated Universal Time.
Aesthetically, every watch features different faces and configurations that the user can personalize; it can be traditional analog, or colorful, or a digital watch face with details like the date, a stopwatch, or calendar events.
“Glances” allow users to check things quickly. For example, swiping the screen up from the bottom will display the weather, play music or show the wearer’s heart rate. Wearers also can read full emails and have the option to delete, flag or mark them.
RELATED CONTENT: 5 facts about Apple Watch
“Digital touch” gives users the ability to sketch on their
watch face with a fingertip and send the image to another person. They also can tap the watch to send a signal to a friend, or send their heartbeat as well, which Cook said is an “incredibly intimate way to tell someone you’re thinking of them.”
Apple Watch also acts as a “comprehensive fitness companion,” reminding the wearer if they’ve been sitting too long and summarizing their movements, such as calories burned and distance traveled. At the end of each week the wearer will get a report on their physical activity for the past seven days, and suggest a new fitness target. “It’s like having a coach on your wrist,” he said.
The timepiece allows people to communicate immediately and more intimately, Cook added. They can receive text messages, and read and respond instantly. A built-in speaker and microphone on the watch also affords the wearer the ability to take calls.
In addition, notifications iPhone users receive on their mobile device can be shown on the smartwatch, including sports scores and social media and news updates. Siri, Apple’s voice recognition software, also is programmed into Apple Watch.
With all of the multi-tasking the timepiece can perform, it’s equipped with an “all-day battery life” of 18 hours. A magnetic charger held to the back of the watch face re-charges the device.
“We make products that enhance people’s lives, and Apple Watch brings that to a new level,” Cook said. “It’s a revolutionary new way to connect with others.”
More on Collections
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this seven-question quiz.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
MajorsApr 11, 2024
Macy’s Opens Books for Possible BuyoutThe retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
WatchesApr 10, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
IndependentsApr 10, 2024
Levy's Fine Jewelry Explores Diamond History The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
With Clarity Partners With NFL on Wedding Bands The limited-edition men’s rings can be customized with one of 12 team logos.
SourcingApr 10, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
WatchesApr 09, 2024
Chrono24 Debuts Pre-Owned Watch Authentication ProgramThe program, now live in Europe, will roll out to the U.S. this summer.
AuctionsApr 09, 2024
Phillips to Offer 6.21-Carat Vivid Pink DiamondColored gemstones and signed jewels are the focus of its upcoming Geneva sale.
