U.S. regional department store chain Gottschalks will be liquidated after it failed to attract a buyer, Reuters and other media reports.

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The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined sharply in February, was flat in March. The Index now stands at 26 (1985=100), up from 25.3 in February. The Present Situation Index declined to 21.5 from 22.3 last month. The Expectations Index increased to 28.9 from 27.3 in February.

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Iconic jeweler Tiffany and Co. plans to open 13 stores this year despite bleary economic conditions, its latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission shows.

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Jewelers of America has sent its members updated guidance on the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008, which banned the importation of Burmese jadeite and rubies last September.

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Leaders of the Responsible Jewellery Council, a London-based organization that aims to establish an accreditation system for ethical business practices for jewelers and watchmakers worldwide, outlined its system during a press conference held at BaselWorld.

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Spartanburg, S.C.–Bench Media LLC’s Internet 4 Jewelers division has announced the release of the first two eBooks in a series designed to teach retail jewelers how to leverage the Internet to market their stores in an efficient, cost-effective manner.

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New York–In conjunction with the first-ever “Sparkle Week Spring 2009,” a weeklong celebration of jewelry to be held in New York City from April 20-26, the National Jewelry Institute will present a luxury timepiece exhibit.

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To raise awareness for National Autism Awareness Month, which begins tomorrow, jewelry designer Judith Ripka has created a puzzle-shaped pendant that will benefit advocacy organization Autism Speaks.

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Toledo, Ohio–Fruchtman Marketing, a full-service marketing firm for independent retail jewelers and jewelry manufacturers across the country, will sponsor a “Pop-a-Shot” fundraising opportunity for Jewelers For Children (JFC) at the American Gem Society (AGS) Conclave next month.

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Jewelers of America sent its members updated guidance on the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta’s Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008, which banned the import of Burmese rubies and jadeite, effective Sept. 27, 2008.

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