San Diego, Calif.—The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) San Diego chapter is calling for entries for a jewelry design competition to commemorate the WJA's 25th anniversary.

Haslemere, United Kingdom—Argentium International, a new company established to promote the benefits of Argenium Silver, has announced a partnership with Cook Precious Metals, which will produce and distribute the silver product worldwide.

The platinum club has lately become even more elite, what with platinum prices hitting stratospheric highs of more than $2,000 per ounce in the early months of this year.

New York—The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) is expressing concern that the recently approved U.S. import ban on gemstones from Myanmar may "cause collateral damage" that will ultimately hurt the country's already poor independent miners and traders.

Antwerp, Belgium—The 24th annual Rio Tinto Argyle Pink Diamond Tender got underway last week in Australia, and will continue through Oct. 2 in cities all around the globe.

Antwerp, Belgium—The 24th annual Rio Tinto Argyle Pink Diamond Tender got underway last week in Australia, and will continue through Oct. 2 in cities all around the globe.

Atlanta—A series of smash-and-grab robberies in one Atlanta-area mall has jewelry storeowners shuttering their doors, an Atlanta TV news station reports.

Philippe C. Merk, 51, has been named the new chief executive officer of Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet Holding SA, effective Jan. 1, 2009. Merk is currently CEO of the Swiss watch brand Maurice Lacroix SA (the Desco Luxury Group), a post he has held since 2001, overseeing that brand’s renewed growth in the luxury market.