Charles & Colvard, Ltd. has launched “The Moissanite created by Charles & Colvard Authorized Internet Retailer Program.” This new initiative is a joint effort between Charles & Colvard and select retailers to provide moissanite customers with a professional moissanite internet shopping experience.

New York—Ideal Diamond Solutions (IDS) President Larry Chasin will host a Webinar on July 23 to demonstrate how integrating a Web presence into the traditional business model is critical to a retailer's success, as jewelry and diamond e-commerce grows.

Las Vegas—A bevy of celebrities and professional poker players gathered in Las Vegas earlier this month for the second annual "Ante Up for Africa," a Texas Hold'em charity game held to raise money for victims of the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region.

New York—The Madison Dialogue, a collaborative industry effort that works to promote best practices across the board, has published a new white paper that looks at the efforts being made to use diamonds for sustainable development.

New York—Global diamond-jewelry manufacturer Ashi Diamonds has introduced Avalon Solution, a Web service designed to help jewelers build their brands and businesses online.

Schaumburg, Ill.—Nearly two-thirds of U.S. consumers (63 percent) are reducing their spending due to rising gas prices, up 18 points since June 2007 and up 14 points in the last six months alone, according to new research from The Nielsen Co.

Toronto—The private equity firm that owns both Lord and Taylor and Fortunoff department stores has acquired a Canadian retail company, setting the stage to expand its operations in that market.