(PRESS RELEASE) GALVESTON, TX — Expanding his Lightning Ridge Collection, John Ford is launching a new exclusive Mine Provenance Portfolio of loose gem quality Lightning Ridge black opals with a transparent chain of custody to the mine of origin in Lightning Ridge, Australia. The Portfolio will be introduced at AGTA Gem Fair, Las Vegas, Booth 1418, May 30-June 3.
Provenance is normally associated with country of origin. The market for fine gem quality black opal deserves more. The trade and consumers want detailed information on the origins of their gems, not simply a laboratory report. The new Exclusive Mine Opal Portfolio offers provenance and a transparent supply chain custody not just to the country of origin, but to the specific mine of origin.
“After years of developing relationships with miners in Lightning Ridge based on trust, it was the natural evolution of our supply chain,” according to Ford. “We anticipate increasing demand for provenance and supply chain transparency on very fine quality gemstones. What the miners and I envision is offering top brands and collectors the opportunity of sourcing fine gem quality black opal with unparallel confidence at competitive prices.”
The Exclusive Mine Provenance Loose Opal Portfolio may be viewed at The Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford at booth 1418, AGTA Gem Fair at the Las Vegas Convention Center May 30th thru June 3rd.
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
