“The Payless summer collection includes all the latest footwear trends — a Two Hearts pendant array of silhouettes, colors, materials and details — and an expansive range of accessory items to help women complete their looks for fun summer events,” said LuAnn Via, president and CEO of Payless ShoeSource. “We continue to lead the Fashion Democracy movement to bring forward all the latest accessory items at a great value for all to enjoy.”

Fashion fans shopping on a budget will be happy to know that Payless is currently stocking shelves with hot summer styles at prices starting under $10 an item. Whatever the occasion, the retailer can provide a pair of heels or a summer tote to perfectly complement an ensemble. Wedge cork sandals done in woven and natural upper materials help create a breezy, casual look for seaside strolling, while oxford flats keep city girls skipping across the hot pavement with ease.

The most popular colors of the season are represented in the line — footwear and totes pop with shades of lemon yellow, cobalt blue, blush gold, bright fuchsia, and sunset orange.

Payless’ summer offerings also include its popular Designer Collections, exclusive labels featuring original designs by New York fashion designers including Christian Siriano for Payless(TM) by Christian Siriano, Lela Rose for Payless(TM) by Lela Rose; and alice + olivia for Payless(TM) by Stacey Bendet. Payless Designer Collections are among the most broadly distributed designer footwear labels in America today.

The sneakers and flats in the Christian Siriano for Payless summer line feature a unique Venetian Link bracelet of splashy purples and pinks accented with pops of fuchsia. Strappy sandals and peep-toe flats also dazzle in soft blush gold. Stacey Bendet’s alice+olivia for Payless styles channel a funky downtown vibe with a canvas clog, oxford flats, gladiator-inspired platform heels, among other modern details. The Lela Rose for Payless summer collection represents the designer’s classic-with-a-twist focus with flats, wedges and thong sandals rendered in patterned fabrics, vivid cobalt and lemongrass colorations, and delicate bow accents.

Footwear and accessory trends for the summer include:

Silhouettes – embellished sandals, peep-toe flats, strappy heels, huarache-style sandals, t-strap sandals, platform sandals, sculpted-wedge heels, gladiator-inspired flats, espadrilles, slip-on sneakers

Colors – lemon yellow, cobalt blue, blush gold, bright fuchsia, and sunset orange

Materials – patterned fabrics, canvas, patent, jersey cotton, cork- and woven straw-inspired materials

Details – bead embellishments, flower and bow accents

Handbags featuring zebra, giraffe and croco patterns, as well as metallics and black & white prints offer an overall polished look

Other accessories include: sunglasses, caps and hats, scarves and colorful, layered jewelry

The Payless summer collection for women is currently available in stores nationwide. The Venetian Link necklace boasts dozens of fresh footwear styles, handbags and an expansive range of accessories, with new products arriving every few weeks throughout the summer season. Beyond the women’s collection, additional styles are available for the family and include a range of well-recognized brands including Airwalk(R), Champion(R), Smartfit(R) and Dexter(R), among others.

About Payless Designer Collections

Payless is on a mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories. The Payless Designer Collections – seasonal lines of original footwear and handbags created by New York fashion designers and hot-off-the-runway – are a key piece of that strategy.

Payless Guest Designers include Lela Rose and the Lela Rose for Payless and Unforgettable Moments(TM) by Lela Rose labels, Stacey Bendet with alice + olivia for Payless, Christian Siriano and Christian Siriano for Payless, style icon Patricia Field with Patricia Field for Payless capsule collections and newcomer Isabel Toledo with Isabel Toledo for Payless due to debut this fall. This select group of fashion designers and stylists create designer footwear and accessory collections for Payless featuring the latest runway and red carpet looks. Each collection is unique and reflective of the designer’s signature style. For more information about Payless at New York Fashion Week and the company’s Guest Designers, please see paylessontherunway.com.

About Payless & Collective Brands, Inc.

Payless ShoeSource, Inc., a unit of Collective Brands, Inc., is the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere and is dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories and inspiring fun, fashion possibilities for the family at a great value. As of year-end 2009, the company operated nearly 4,500 stores. In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet through Payless.com(R) at www.payless.com.

Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories to consumers worldwide. The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, Tiffany Notes Dangle Key ring, ecommerce and licensing. Collective Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories through its more than 4,500-store retail chain, with its brands Airwalk(R), Dexter(R), Champion(R), Zoe & Zac(TM), the first-ever affordable green footwear brand, and designer collections Lela Rose for Payless, Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose, Christian Siriano for Payless, Patricia Field for Payless and STLP x Airwalk, among others; Collective Brands Performance + Lifestyle Group, focused on lifestyle and performance branded footwear and high-quality children’s footwear sold primarily through wholesaling, with its brands including Stride Rite(R), Keds(R), Sperry Top-Sider(R), Robeez(R), and Saucony(R), among others; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development, management and global licensing unit, with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk(R), Vision Street Wear(R), Sims(R), Lamar(R) and LTD(R). Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand’s units can be found at www.collectivebrands.com.

Move over ladies- it’s time for the boys to strut the catwalk! Drop Dead Tiffany Bangles(TM) Cocktails & Couture combines some of Atlanta’s favorite “models” and the latest styles as its avenue for advocacy. TJ Duckett, Niko Karatassos, Pano Karatassos, Richie Arpino, Rob Marciano, Adi Allushi, Reco Chapple, Scott Strumlauf, Vincent Martinez, Derek Blanks and more have taken a stand against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in a fun informal fashion show May 20, 2010 to be held at Tongue & Groove. America’s Next Top Model Alum and DDG(TM) Spokesmodel, Bre Scullark hosts, and Susan Muscari and Bronni Karatassos co-chair this year’s event.

Drop Dead Gorgeous (DDG)(TM) is a social justice organization, which utilizes the fashion and entertainment industries as its vehicle to reduce demand for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). DDG(TM) recognizes the tremendous amount of influence these industries have over culture, and aspires to harness their influence in order to begin a global movement to reduce demand for CSEC through awareness, education, and giving. The May 20th event invites Atlantans to take part in the movement over Tiffany Bracelets and hottest men’s fashions. Cocktails & Couture kicks off with a 7:00 pm VIP reception, followed by the fashion show, with raffle and giveaways throughout the night.

According to the FBI, Atlanta ranks as one of the top cities in the nation for child sex trafficking, but most Atlanta residents have no idea this issue exists in their city. Drop Dead Gorgeous(TM) will address this issue through advocacy, awareness, and education. After drug dealing, human trafficking (meaning forced labor or sexual servitude) is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today, and it is the fastest growing (*US Department of Health & Human Services, Human Trafficking Fact Sheet).

Along with Tongue & Groove(TM), DDG(TM) is sponsored by Bluepoint of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group(TM). Tickets are $45.00 for VIP and $25.00 general admission. Cocktails & Couture is the precursor to the Drop Dead Gorgeous(TM) Annual Fashion Benefit slated for September 23, 2010. For Tiffany Pendants or more information about DDG(TM), please visit www.ddgcharity.weebly.com.

Media inquiries/interview requests, please contact Carmen Cruz at 404-408-2103.

SOURCE Drop Dead Gorgeous

Michelle Obama is widely considered one of her husband’s biggest political discount tiffany. Like most first ladies, she has developed a strong following around the country, and 71 percent of Americans think she is doing a good job, according to a recent Associated Press poll. (Her husband’s approval rating is about 50 percent.) White House officials say it’s not yet clear how direct a role she will play on the campaign trail this year, but in 2008 she was constantly on the road promoting her husband. She emphasized the historic change her husband would bring as the first African-American president and the hope that he inspired in so many everyday people. She still prompts intense media attention and public interest in everything she does, and she is sure to lend her name and charisma to the administration’s agenda.

“Her role is where policy and people intersect,” says Katie McCormick-Lelyveld, the first lady’s press secretary. This is a contrast to Hillary Clinton, spouse of the last Democratic president, who was deeply involved in healthcare legislation and other issues. And it is closer to the example set by Laura Bush, who promoted reading as her special project but was mostly an appealing supporter of her husband, George W. Bush, a Republican and Barack Obama’s predecessor.

Obama considers herself first and foremost a mom to the first couple’s young daughters, Malia and Sasha. And to the surprise of her critics from the campaign, she is rather traditional in her choice of projects to take on as first lady. She is promoting such noncontroversial goals as federal assistance to military families, a Tiffany Bangles to public service, and, her project for 2010, leading the “Let’s Move” campaign to fight childhood obesity through “healthy eating and healthy families.”

She has started a highly publicized White House garden to underscore the importance of fresh vegetables and fruit as the cornerstones of good nutrition. The images of the first lady digging in the dirt behind the presidential mansion, harvesting sweet potatoes, lettuce, and other staples, not only sets an example for home gardeners but also has helped Michelle alter her image as a fashionista who might be a bit too interested in clothes.

There is a little-known personal side to her cause. A few years ago, a family doctor said that the Obama girls had a “body mass index issue,” a nice way of saying they were gaining too much weight. So Barack and Michelle Obama told Malia and Sasha they needed to exercise more frequently and be careful about junk foods. Michelle admits to a weakness for french fries, but has disciplined herself not to eat them too often. Barack limited his intake of cheeseburgers, one of his favorite foods. “Her philosophy is, if you want a cheeseburger, you Tiffany Bracelets have a cheeseburger,” says a family friend. “But don’t have it every day.”

Obama rarely talks directly about race, even though she is the first African-American to serve as first lady. But she clearly believes she can be a role model for young blacks. At Anacostia High School in one of Washington’s poorest neighborhoods, one of her many appearances at public schools in the majority-black capital, she told the students about her early life. “We didn’t have a lot of money,” the first lady said. “I lived in the same house my mother lives in now … I went to public schools. The fact is I had somebody around me who helped me understand hard work. I had parents who told me, ‘Don’t worry about what other people say about you.’ I worked really hard. I did focus on school. I wanted an ‘A.’ I wanted to be smart. Kids would say, ‘You talk funny. You talk like a white girl.’ I didn’t know what that meant.”

Her press secretary says Obama wants young African-Americans, especially girls, to realize that they can be achievers. “She wants people to see themselves in the White House, to see it as a place for all, where they can feel at home, where they belong,” says McCormick-Lelyveld. It could be that serving as an Tiffany Pendants is Michelle Obama’s most important mission.

Fast-fashion specialty retailers with exceptional speed-to-market have outperformed department stores and less nimble specialty stores not only in their profit margins, but also in their pace of revenue growth, according to a study by The Sage Group LLC’s Apparel and Retail Group.

Surveying results from 47 retailers, all of them publicly held and the overwhelming majority of them based in the U.S., Sage found in the last 12 months, the five stores with the best EBITDA margin earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as a percentage of sales were Hennes & Mauritz, at 23.4 percent; The tiffany jewelry Inc., at 22.5 percent; Zara operator Industria de Diseno Textil SA (Inditex), at 20.3 percent; Urban Outfitters Inc., at 19.8 percent, and Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., owners of Uniqlo, at 18.6 percent.

Other specialty retailers such as Gymboree, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc., Aropostale Inc., Gap Inc. and American Eagle Outfitters Inc. filled out the top 10 rankings with marks ranging from 18 percent down to 13.9 percent, but Kohl’s Corp. distinguished itself as the best broadlines retailer with an 11th-place finish at 12.6 percent.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (11.7 percent) and Limited Brands Inc. (11.6 percent) followed, before the first upscale department store appeared on the list, Nordstrom, whose 11.4 percent mark placed it at 15th. Macy’s Inc. was 18th with a 10.5 percent EBITDA margin.

The other stores in Sage’s retailing universe to finish with a margin above 10 percent were off-pricers The TJX Cos. Inc. and Ross Stores Inc. (10.1 and 10 percent, respectively) and two others with a 10 percent margin, Zumiez Inc. and Bebe Stores Inc.

Sage also noted the fast-fashion subset has achieved strong growth as well, with the three-year revenue growth rates of Fast, Inditex and H&M far outpacing those of department store firms, several of which have had declines over the three years studied. American Apparel Inc. was first on this list with a compound annual paloma picasso rate of 39.8 percent, followed by Fast (24.3 percent), Zumiez (19.8 percent), Buckle (18.2 percent) and Urban Outfitters (16.3 percent). The bottom half of this top 10 were Aropostale (15.2 percent), The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. (14.5 percent), Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. (14.1 percent), Inditex (13.9 percent) and Jos. A. Bank Clothiers (14.1 percent). H&M scored 11th, with 12.1 percent, followed by J. Crew Group Inc. (12 percent). Bon-Ton’s growth rate can be partially attributed to acquisitions, including its purchase of Saks Inc.’s Northern Department Store Group in 2006.

Measured by gross margin in the past 12 months, Abercrombie & Fitch was best, at 65.1 percent of sales, followed by Jos. A. Bank Clothiers (61.5 percent), H&M (60.3 percent), Inditex (56.6 percent) and American Apparel (55.5 percent).

On a market-cap weighted basis, stock prices for the fast-fashion subset have gained 17.3 percent over the past year, trading at 11.3 times [EBITDA for the last 12 months], on average, Sage noted. By comparison, the department stores cited in the study Macy’s, J.C. Penney Co. Inc., Nordstrom and Dillard’s had seen their stock prices decline 17.8 percent over the last year and were trading at an EBITDA multiple of 7.9 times.

Among apparel firms, the EBITDA margin was highest among two brand management firms Iconix Brand frank gehry and Cherokee Inc., at 71.3 and 66.6 percent, respectively followed by Coach Inc. (33.9 percent), True Religion Apparel Inc. (27 percent) and Tiffany & Co. (21 percent). The top 10 included Guess Inc. (18.9 percent), Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (16.9 percent) and Gildan Activewear Inc. (14.8 percent).

Frederick Schmitt, managing director of Sage, was lead editor of the study.

Delhi Police issued the following news release:

Anti Snatching Cell, West District has busted a gang of notorious cheats who used to win tiffany over the victims, divert their attention and take away their jewellery articles. More than 7 cases of such cheating have been solved. Total 4 gang members have been arrested.

RECOVERY MADE

Two gold chains, One gold ring & One gold Kara.

NAME AND PROFILE OF ARRESTED ACCUSED PERSONS

1. Ashu s/o Hira Lal R/o Tankiwali Jhuggi, Raghubir Nagr, Rajouri Garden, Delhi, Age- 30 yrs. Previous paloma picasso involvement- 2. Ravi @ Bada S/o Shanker R/o Tankiwali Jhuggi, Raghubir Nagr, Rajouri Garden, Delhi, Age- 20 yrs 3. Daya Nand S/o Bhikajie R/o Regarpura, Karol Bagh, Delhi, Age- 40 yrs, (Receiver)

4. Sakir Khan @ Shakil @ Tinu S/o Fariyad Ali R/o Tanki Wali Jhuggi, Rajouri Garden, Delhi, Age- 21 yrs. (Receiver) Previous involvement -02

INFORMATION/OPERATION :

Secret information was received by the team of Inspector Rajkumar, Anti Snatching Cell, West District tffany keys about a gang of notorious cheats. The gang used to indulge in cheating ladies by showing hand made bundle of currency notes, divert their attention and take their jewellery and other valuables. On this information, sources were deployed and information regarding these criminals was gathered. Specific information was received that one member of this gang will be coming near Balaji Action Hospital, A-4 Block, Paschim Vihar. On this information a raiding party under the supervision of Insp. Rajkumar, consisting of SI Naveen Kumar, HC Rajinder, HC Sanjeev, Ct Rajkumar, Ct. Surender and Ct. P. Tirky was constituted and deployed near Action Balaji Hospital, Paschim Vihar, Delhi at about 05.45 PM. One man came who was apprehended on the instance of secret informer. He disclosed his name as Ashu S/o Hira Lal R/o Tanki Wali Jhuggi, Raghubir Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Delhi. On interrogation, he disclosed about commission of various cheatings with his associates. He was arrested in case FIR No. 147/09 u/s 420/411 IPC PS- Hari Nagar. On his instance one receiver namely Dayanand S/o Bhika Ji R/o 50/46/51, Regarpura, Karol Bagh, Delhi was also arrested and gold chain wanted in the case was recovered. Thereafter on further investigation other two gang members namely Ravi @ Bada and Sakir Khan @ Shakeel were arrested and pair of golden bangles, golden chain and one golden ring were recovered. These jewellery items were found to be wanted in similar case of PS Punjabi Bagh.

INTERROGATION/MODOUS OPERANDAI:

During interrogation, Ashu disclosed that he is residing in jhuggi cluster, Raghubir Nagar and came in contact with one Ravi @ Bada who lives in neighbourhood. Being a youngster and attracted with the western life style, Ashu dreamt to make instant money. They used to target ladies above 40 yrs old standing either on Bus stands or near religious places. Both Ashu and Ravi used to win over their target by telling her stories about their poverty and problems at home and thus gain sympathy of the victim. They used to show bundles of fake currency and frank gehry persuade the victim to hand over the jewellery articles and other valuables in exchange of currency bundles which are fake in reality. It is only after a while when the victim used to open the bundle of currency notes, she will realize that she has been cheated of her jewellery articles and other valuables. Both of them used to dispose the jewellery items to Dayannandand Shakir Khan @ Shakil.

Further investigation of the case is in progress. The staff involved in good work will be suitably rewarded.

Nelson Peltz, the US activist investor, last night filed with US regulators to raise up to Dollars 750m from stock market investors for a large shell company that will pursue acquisitions.

Trian Acquisition I Corporation will have until late 2009 to identify an acquisition target and take control of it using at least 80 per cent of its assets.

Trian Acquisition I plans to sell 75m units in itself for Dollars 10 each.

The addition of a “special purpose acquisition company”, as such entities are known, follows Mr Peltz’s decision three years ago to raise a dedicated fund for activist investments, known as Trian Partners.

He is also chairman of Triarc, the publicly traded holding company for Arby’s, the sandwich chain, and Deerfield & Company, the Chicago-based asset manager.

The Trian Spac prospectus says no industry has yet been identified for the acquisition and there is no deal in mind.

Spacs have been used to acquire Navios, the shipping company, and Jamba Juice, the fruit juice chain.

Mr Peltz and his team, including long-time associates Peter May and Edward Garden, have campaigned for change at several big companies in recent years.

These include Wendy’s International, the US hamburger chain, Cadbury Schweppes, the UK drinks and confectionery group, HJ Heinz, the ketchup and baked beans group based in Pittsburgh, and Tiffany, the jewellery group.

However, these moves have involved taking minority stakes in large companies and putting pressure on management to adopt certain changes in strategy. With a Spac, Mr Peltz will have to take full control of a business.

Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch and Maxim Group are underwriting the initial public offering, according to the prospectus.

And Charming Shoppes Inc. and Quiksilver Inc. were right on trend Monday with new bank agreements worth hundreds of millions of dollars, as was Limited Brands Inc., which extended the early tender date in its offer to buy back nearly $300 million in debt.

Even in the case of Kellwood Co., which had a $140 million debt exchange which threatened the firm’s solvency last month, fashion companies have generally been able to borrow enough money to pay down prior obligations and begin the debt cycle anew.

It’s a marked change from last fall when credit markets screeched to a halt and an indication that investors and banks see the signs of stability in the economy as the real deal.

What it is is a bet that maybe in the next 18 months we’ll see a turnaround, said Tiffany Co, Fitch Ratings debt analyst. People are kind of surprised in general that the market has been so receptive to new issuances [of debt] and nobody really can pinpoint the main reason for it.

That the economy has not turned out to be as bad as some feared is likely part of it, said Co.

The U.S. economy shrank at an annual rate of 1 percent in the second quarter, a much slower decline than the first quarter’s 6.4 percent free fall, according to the government’s most-recent gross domestic product calculations. Stock markets have been more bullish, with retail stocks up 61.4 percent since their March 6 lows. The S&P Retail Index marched up 1.6 percent, or 5.57 points, to 360.20 Monday and the S&P 500 closed above 1,000, at 1,002.63, up 1.5 percent, marking its first four-digit close since Nov. 4. (For more on stocks, see page 14.)

It seems like [credit markets] are being more rational than they had been through the credit boom or the credit crisis.

Margaret Taylor, debt analyst at Moody’s Investors Service

Taking advantage of the refinancing window that’s opened hasn’t been without its costs, however.

It seems like [credit markets] are being more rational than they had been through the credit boom or the credit crisis, said Margaret Taylor, debt analyst at Moody’s Investors Service.

Taylor said the apparel world seems to have divided into two kinds of companies when it comes to refinancing: those that have to pay higher prices to refinance and those that have to both pay higher prices and accept tougher terms.

She noted companies finding easier refinancing in the bank market include industry leaders or solid brand names or companies where there’s a comfort level that they will survive the recession.

Neiman Marcus Inc. was able to trade on its standing in the luxury sector and refinance its $600 million credit agreement last month. On the other hand, Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. had to refinance with tougher terms and ultimately filed for bankruptcy and was acquired by Golden Gate Capital.

On Monday, Charming Shoppes said it had been granted a three-year secured revolving $225 million credit facility, which replaced a $375 million facility due next July.

We are pleased to have proactively and successfully addressed the maturity of our revolving credit facility, said Jim Fogarty, president and chief executive officer. Maintaining strong liquidity our revolver availability and our cash position is a critical priority for us, and even more critical in today’s funding environment.

Quiksilver inked a deal with its banks to consolidate its uncommitted lines of credit into a new four-year committed facility including 170 million euros, or $242.5 million at current exchange, in term loans; a 40 million euro, or $57.1 million, letter of credit facility, and a 58 million euro, or $82.7 million, revolving line of credit.

Limited extended the early tender date on its offer to buy back $294.6 million in debt due 2012 to Aug. 5 from July 31. Limited is using the proceeds of a recent offering of notes maturing in 2019 to buy back the debt.

Carol Levenson, director of research at Gimme Credit, said the debt coming due in 2019 is slightly more expensive, with a coupon of 8.5 percent versus a coupon of 6.125 percent on the 2012 debt.

But on such a small amount the additional interest expense is immaterial given the meaningful increase in financial flexibility the refinancing will accomplish, she said.

In other debt buyback news, embattled lender CIT Group Inc. amended its tender offer so investors holding $1 billion in bonds coming due this month could sell them back to the company for 87.5 cents on the dollar instead of the 82.5 cents previously offered. The company said about 65 percent of the notes have already been tendered, enough to make the tender successful under revised terms.

For centuries, jewelry has symbolized a certain degree of prestige, luxury and ceremonialism. Egyptian pharaohs were entombed with gold trinkets. Debutantes were, and are, given strands of pearls as part of their rite of passage. Couples exchange rings along with wedding vows at the altar. Men who find themselves in the doghouse present gifts of diamonds and gold to their better halves.

When buying jewelry most people compare quality to price. Jewels, regardless of how modest or grandiose, are checked for flaws and imperfections. And most shoppers want to know whether a purchase will stand the test of time.

No matter where people are buying, the motivations tend to be the same. International retail giant Wal-Mart has been leading jewelry sales for several years, said Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing. Today it’s one percent of their sales, she said. There’s a propensity of people buying jewelry at Wal-Mart, and they’re buying pieces for under $100. Unity Marketing, founded in 1992, is a marketing consulting firm.

But not all jewelry sold at Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Clubs falls into the lower-end category. Those who have not perused the jewelry counters or Web sites of Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club may be in for a surprise. Wal-Mart stores carry diamonds certified by the International Gemological Institute. The institute is an independent appraisal and gem grading entity.

Here’s jewelry, the epitome of luxury, at a discount retailer, said Danziger, who is the author of Why People Buy Things They Don’t Need and Let Them Eat Cake: Marketing Luxury to the Masses.

Although Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club are discount retailers, both offer a number of pricey items. A diamond necklace weighing in at 56 carats is for sale at http://www.samsclub.com/ for $300,000. And http://www.walmart.com/ features wedding rings starting from $198 to $5,488. They’re hitting very heavily into bridal, Danziger said.

A Wal-Mart spokeswoman did not respond to telephone calls or e- mails seeking information about the company’s jewelry business.

Because weddings and engagements are scheduled throughout the year, a change for the one-time traditional June dates, stability has been provided to the jewelry industry, said Marvin Beasley, CEO of Helzberg Diamonds. The holiday season, however, typically provides a big boost to jewelry retailers across the country. It’s not unusual for a business to do 40 percent of its business in the last quarter, Beasley said.

Robin Johannes, a gemologist at Johannes Hunter Jewelers in Colorado Springs, agreed. We see our holiday business in the last 10 days (before Christmas), she said. We’re not on roller skates here until the last 10 days.

Johannes Hunter carries sapphires, tourmalines, tanzanite, emeralds and colored diamonds to name a few. Jewelry at Johannes Hunter starts at about $44, Johannes said. One of the stores most notable sales was a tourmaline from the Brazilian state of Paraiba, a stone that sold for $250,000. The mine is tiny, it’s only the size of a football field, she said. We have extraordinarily rare gemstones in our store that no one has ever heard of.

Helzberg and Zerbe Jewelers Inc. in Colorado Springs also employ certified gemologists. There are diamondtologists at every Helzberg store, Beasley said, and the company has a fair number of gemologists. What you hear at the counter should be 100 percent completely accurate, Beasley said. Training is very important to our business.

Charles Zerbe, a certified gemologist appraiser, graduate gemologist and registered jeweler for Zerbe Jewelers, said there are six certified gemologists on staff at the store. Diamond rings seem to be the most popular selling items at Zerbe, he said, although the store does carry a variety of gemstones, watches and bracelets.

And the customer base is quite diverse. We’ve got construction workers and we have developers, Zerbe said. It tends to be more of the women shopping and men doing the buying. The men really want to please their ladies. They really work hard and sweat their purchases.

To help those folks who are timid about jewelry shopping, Zerbe offers hint cards that can be filled out by a shopper, taken home and left somewhere in plain view of a significant other. While Christmastime is the busiest for Zerbe, the store also sees a great deal of business for Valentine’s Day. Sometimes we’re busy and we don’t do great business, or we’re not busy and business is good. Zerbe said it is not unusual for repeat customers to visit the store to make the occasional $10,000 purchase.

Younger shoppers and window shoppers also come in from time to time. We’ve got a bunch of young people come in and look at watches, Zerbe said. A lot are dreamers, some are planners.

No matter if they’re young or old, higher or lower-income, most people want something impressive to call their own, Danziger said. All income levels feel entitled to a level of luxury in their lives, she said. Most baby boomers have reached influence and most younger people have not.

People buying jewelry, whether it is from a discount retailer or a high-end specialty shop, buy their diamonds and pearls for very similar reasons, Beasley said. I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder, he said. Beasley said Helzberg sales teams are all taught that someone spending $100 may be purchasing an item they see as a luxury. It doesn’t matter if the price is $99 or $9,999 – the motivation for buying is usually the same. This business is so driven by love and romance.

Are diamonds from Wal-Mart any less remarkable than those sold at specialty retailers? There may not be a definite answer as to what qualifies as luxury, Danziger said. Luxury is all smoke and mirrors, she said. Wal-Mart provides certificates of authenticity for all certified diamonds, but they don’t package their jewelry in a signature, world-renowned box.

Tiffany has created their box, their presentation, Danziger said. My Tiffany ring is better than my Wal-Mart ring – whether that is true or not, I don’t know.

There will be a new look to christmas gift on the Forestry Commission estate at Delamere Forest near Nantwich in Cheshire from 28 November.

As usual Father Christmas will be in his grotto, but this year he’ll be telling a seasonal story or two. There is also a brand new Winter nature trail and a local bird rescue centre will be displaying birds of prey during weekend opening hours.

The Christmas tree sales centre will open daily between 9am and 5pm from Saturday 28 November until Sunday 20 December. Late night openings will be available on 10 and 11 December until 8pm.

Santa’s grotto will also be open every weekend in December up until Christmas tiffany necklaces from 9am until 5pm (last entry 4pm) and Santa will be having late nights on 10 and 11 December from 5pm until 8pm.

The grotto will also be open for school visits only on weekdays from Monday 30 November until Friday 18 December.

Delamere is one of the largest Christmas tree outlets in Britain and people in Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire can choose from fir, pine and spruce varieties, ranging in sizes from three to 25 feet high, as well as a range of potted trees.

Forestry staff will also be on hand to give advice on the best tree to buy and how to care for it. To ward off the winter chills, hot food and drink will be available during opening hours.

Delamere Forest Manager Vernon Stockton, says:

“There’s always a wonderful atmosphere in Delamere Forest at this time of year which will only be enhanced with our new look, so it’s a great place get in the mood for the festive season ahead. For people for who Christmas means stress, we hope to bring an oasis of woodland calm to the festive season!.”

Delamere Forest is packed with opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. With paloma picasso jewelry more than 950 hectares of mixed deciduous and evergreen forest, it’s the largest wooded area in Cheshire.

For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland

To keep real Christmas trees looking good:

* Store in a cool place before bring the tree indoors * Keep away from direct heat * Cut half and inch off the stump and stand in a container full of water * Water regularly – a Christmas tree can ‘drink’ up to a pint of water a day

Top tree facts

* The custom of putting up a decorated fir tree in your home at Christmas began in Germany in the 17th frank gehry jewelry century * Prince Albert made Christmas trees popular in Britain, when he introduced them to England from Germany. * Around six million trees are sold in Britain each year. * The Forestry Commission provides around 43,000 trees each year * Growing times: Pine (five years); Spruce (seven years); Noble Fir (10 years). * More than 90% of families put up a Christmas tree.For more information please contact: Sarabjit Jagirdar, Email:- htsyndication@hindustantimes.com.

Andre McKesson runs Midwest Grillz and Tiffany and co Jewelry. A shooting happened in his store on January 13, in which Willie Wakefield, 29, and Marcel Davis, 16, were killed and 22-year-old Brandon Boyce was wounded. Boyce held a news conference at the hospital where he is being treated and intimated that McKesson ambushed the men, calling them to the store to see some grills (metallic cosmetic teeth ornamentation) and then locking his friends inside before he started shooting. Boyce said he did not go in the store, but instead he stood outside the door because he guessed something was wrong.

But the police and McKesson have a different story: McKesson got in touch with Davis that night because Davis had ordered a grill and McKesson had just gotten his phone service reconnected. According to accounts on TheOmahaChannel.com and MSNBC affiliate KETV (Channel 7), the men arrived at the store about 10:00 p.m., and McKesson locked the door after the men entered – which he did as a standard business practice. Wakefield became angry over an issue with the grills, so he pulled a gun and shot twice at McKesson. McKesson dove for an SKS rifle he kept for safety and shot 14 or 15 rounds at the men, resulting in their deaths and the wounding of Boyce.

Douglas County tiffany earrings Attorney Don Kleine indicated that no charges will be filed against McKesson because it appeared McKesson shot in self-defense – the evidence told investigators that. But even if the evidence were inconclusive, one would be more likely to believe McKesson. All three of the men who were shot had criminal records. Davis, the 16-year-old, had previously been shot by a police officer when he pointed a gun at the officer. He was not in jail at the time of the incident because he was adjudicated in tiffany key rings juvenile court. Boyce and Wakefield weren’t Davis’ only unsavory friends. Davis had ordered his grill to wear to the funeral of a friend who had been killed while committing a robbery. On the other hand, McKesson had only misdemeanors on his record.