[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 67 (Tuesday, April 8, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16669-16687]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-8942]
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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
16 CFR Part 23
Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries
AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.
ACTION: Final guides.
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SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (the ``Commission'') announces
that it has concluded a review of Section 23.7 of the Guides for the
Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries (``the Guides''), 16
CFR Part 23. Section 23.7 of the Guides addresses claims about platinum
products. In a separate Federal Register Notice (``FRN''), dated May
30, 1996, the Commission announced revisions to other sections of the
Guides.1 That FRN did not change the section regarding platinum
products, but instead requested additional comments on possible
revisions to that section.2 The Commission has now revised the
section to simplify it and to bring its guidance into closer accord
with international standards.
\1\ 61 FR 27178 et seq. (May 30, 1996).
\2\ 61 FR 27224 (May 30, 1996).
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EFFECTIVE DATE: April 8, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of this document should be sent to the
Public Reference Branch, Room 130, Federal Trade Commission,
Washington, DC 20580.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Constance M. Vecellio, Attorney, (202)
326-2966, or Robin P. Rosen, Attorney, (202) 326-3740, Division of
Enforcement, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Introduction
The Commission is revising section 7 of the Guides for the Jewelry,
Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries, 16 CFR 23.7, as described in
detail below. The Commission published an FRN
[[Page 16670]]
soliciting public comment on amendments to the Guides on June 12, 1992,
in response to a petition from the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Inc.
(``JVC'').3 The comment period, as extended, ended on September
25, 1992.4 The JVC petition proposed some changes to the platinum
section of the Guides. The comments also indicated a need to simplify
Commission guidance regarding platinum and bring this guidance into
closer accord with international standards. In addition, on November
30, 1995, the JVC and the Platinum Guild International submitted a
request for an advisory opinion regarding platinum markings that
differed from the previous JVC proposal. The Commission concluded that
additional comment would be helpful to resolve certain issues and
published an FRN soliciting public comment on amendments to section 7
of the Guides on May 30, 1996.5 The comment period, as extended,
ended on September 30, 1996.
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\3\ 57 FR 24996 (June 12, 1992). The JVC, located at 401 East
34th Street, NY, NY 10016, is a trade association that was formed in
1912 to promote ethical practices in the jewelry industry.
\4\ 57 FR 34532 (Aug. 5, 1992).
5 61 FR 27224 (May 30, 1996).
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The May 30, 1996 FRN solicited comment on several proposals to
revise section 7 of the Guides. The FRN summarized the major amendments
proposed, as well as revisions that Commission staff proposed. In
addition to requesting comment on the proposals described, the FRN
asked for comment on nine specific questions.
The Commission received 806 comments.6 In the remainder of
this notice, the comments are cited to by an abbreviation of the
commenter's name and the document number assigned to the comment on the
public record. A list of the commenters, including the abbreviations
and the document numbers used to identify each commenter, is attached
as an Appendix.
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\6\ The Platinum Guild International (``PGI'') circulated a form
letter to industry members reflecting PGI's views and
recommendations regarding the proposed revisions to the Guides. In a
cover letter PGI requested that industry members in agreement with
the PGI position use the form letter to comment on the proposed
Guide. 730 of the comments received duplicated this form letter in
all substantive respects. The remaining 76 comments were from:
retailers (48); appraisers (4); manufacturer representatives (13);
trade associations (6) (Platinum Guild International (3 comments),
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, International Colored
Gemstone Association, and Manufacturing Jewelry and Silversmiths of
America, Inc.); a dentist using platinum in fillings (2 identical
comments); and, one comment each from the Canadian government; a law
firm representing a manufacturer; a gemologist; and, a concerned
citizen.
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Below, the Commission describes the comments and discusses its
revisions to section 7 of the Guides.
II. Background
Section 7 of the current Guides states that it is an unfair trade
practice to use the words ``platinum,'' ``iridium,'' ``palladium,''
``ruthenium,'' ``rhodium,'' or ``osmium,'' or any abbreviations
thereof, in a way likely to deceive purchasers as to the true
composition of the product. The Commission has retained this provision
of section 7, designated it as subsection (a), and added a sentence
stating that platinum, iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, and
osmium are the platinum group metals (``PGM''), because not every
reader of the Guides will be familiar with the term ``platinum group
metal.'' 7
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\7\ The JVC proposed adding this sentence and the Commission
proposed its addition in the May 30, 1996 FRN. 61 FR 27224. No
comments were received regarding this proposal; however, the
Commission believes it will be helpful to clarify these terms in the
Guides.
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The current Guides state, in a Note, that markings in compliance
with Commercial Standard CS 66-38 (now Voluntary Product Standard
(``VPS'') 69-76) on the ``Marking of Articles Made Wholly or in Part of
Platinum'' will be regarded ``as among those fulfilling the
requirements relating thereto which are contained in this section.''
8 The VPS provide for four different markings for articles
containing platinum. The markings differ based on the relative parts
per thousand of pure platinum versus PGM.
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8 The first JVC proposal was to incorporate the VPS, with
some changes, into the Guides. The Commercial Standards were
promulgated by the U.S. Department of Commerce and administered by
the National Bureau of Standards (``NBS''). Later renamed by the NBS
as Voluntary Product Standards, they had the same legal significance
as FTC guides. The Department of Commerce and the NBS, which is now
called the National Institute of Standards and Technology, withdrew
these and all other VPS, as an economy measure, on January 20, 1984.
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(1) An article may be marked ``platinum'' without qualification if
985 parts per thousand are PGM and 935 parts per thousand are pure
platinum.9
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\9\ VPS Section 3.5(1).
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(2) An article consisting of between 750 and 950 parts per thousand
pure platinum and 950 parts per thousand PGM may be marked ``platinum''
provided that the name of the next predominant PGM precedes the word
platinum.10 (E.g., an article consisting of 900 parts per thousand
pure platinum and 100 parts per thousand iridium would be marked
``Irid.-Plat.'')
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\10\ VPS Section 3.5(2).
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(3) An article consisting of between 500 and 750 parts per thousand
pure platinum and 950 parts per thousand PGM may be marked ``platinum''
provided that all PGM in the product are marked and preceded by a
number indicating the amount of the metal in parts per thousand.11
(E.g., an article consisting of 600 parts per thousand pure platinum
and 350 parts per thousand palladium would be marked ``600Plat.-
350Pall.'')
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\11\ VPS Section 3.5(3).
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(4) An article consisting of at least 950 parts per thousand PGM,
of which less than 500 parts per thousand are pure platinum, may not be
marked ``platinum'' but may be marked with the full name of whichever
PGM (other than platinum) predominates in the article. 12 (E.g.,
an article consisting of 600 parts per thousand palladium, 200 parts
per thousand platinum, and 150 parts per thousand iridium would be
marked ``Palladium.'')
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12 VPS Section 3.5(4).
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The Commission proposed to include the VPS, with one change, in
section 7 as safe harbor provisions (i.e., examples of markings and
descriptions that are not considered unfair or deceptive).13 After
reviewing the comments and international standards, the Commission has
revised the scheme set out in the VPS in several additional respects.
Section 7 has been revised to include subsection (b), which provides
examples of markings and descriptions that may be misleading, and
subsection (c), which provides safe harbor provisions. The safe harbor
provisions in subsection (c) of the revised Guide permit the use of
international standards (as requested in the JVC/PGI petition for an
advisory opinion) and a simplified version of the marking scheme
contained in the VPS. The specific provisions of subsections (b) and
(c) are discussed in detail below.
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13 61 FR 27224-27. The one proposed change to the VPS was
that Section 3.5(1) be modified to provide that an article could be
marked ``platinum'' without qualification if it contained 950 parts
per thousand pure platinum (as opposed to 935 parts pure thousand
pure platinum and 985 parts per thousand PGM). 61 FR 27227
Sec. 23.7(b)(2).
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III. Analysis of Comments
A. International Standards
In response to the 1992 FRN, industry members indicated that the
platinum Guides were inconsistent with international standards. The
Commission solicited additional comments on this issue in the 1996 FRN,
and virtually all of the comments received advocated changing the
guidance regarding platinum markings to be consistent with the
international
[[Page 16671]]
standards.14 The international standard, as established by the
International Organization for Standardization (``ISO''), and cited in
ISO 9202:1991(E), titled ``Jewellery--Fineness of precious metal
alloys,'' specifies a ``range of fineness of precious metal alloys
(excluding solders) recommended for use in the field of jewellery'' and
provides for three values in parts per thousand for platinum jewelry:
950, 900, and 850. The comments, although advocating the use of an
``international standard,'' did not necessarily support the use of the
ISO markings. Rather, the comments advocated markings that were similar
to the ISO standard, in that the markings included a two-letter
platinum abbreviation, and a number indicating the parts per thousand
of pure platinum, but included additional or different ranges of
fineness beyond 950, 900, and 850.
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\14\ Question 5 in the FRN asked: ``Are there any international
standards for marking platinum products? Should the Guides follow
these standards? If so, why?'' 61 FR 27227.
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For instance, the form letter comments advocated the use of the
three ISO markings (PT950, PT900, and PT850) and an additional marking,
PT999.15 The form letter comments stated that the three ISO
markings and the additional marking ``are the same hallmarks currently
used internationally. These will pave the way for easier importation
and exportation of platinum jewelry, thereby allowing the U.S. to be on
an even playing field with the rest of the world.'' 16 Other
comments advocated the use of markings that required disclosure of the
pure platinum content in parts per thousand either preceded or followed
by a two-letter abbreviation for platinum but did not support the same
ranges of fineness as the ISO or the form letter comments.17 The
comment from the Canadian Government, however, was consistent with the
ISO. The comment stated that the international standard permits three
ranges of fineness for platinum, measured in parts per thousand, 950,
900, and 850, and advocated the use of these markings in the
Guides.18
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15 E.g., Taylor (002). Throughout the remainder of this
document, the ``form letter comments'' will be described as such and
cited as Taylor (002) as this was the first form letter comment
received. The PGI also advocated these 4 markings in its own
comment. PGI (718).
16 Taylor (002). Other comments also advocated the use of
these four markings: Hoover (479); Worthington (503); Wolls (507);
Jones (569); Hartsfield (572); Urban (574); Buruss (614); Montanari
(642); Jain (683); Hurst (763); Mathews (779); Good (792); Suna
(801); Rudolf (806); Jolliff (678) (representative of Nat'l Assoc.
of Jewelry Appraisers (670 members), supporting the use of the 4
markings). The Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America
(``MJSA'') sent a questionnaire to its 300 members which contained
the nine questions from the FRN. The MJSA comment reports the
responses from this questionnaire and indicates that, of the 17
responding, 6 supported the use of international standards, 4
opposed it and 7 had no response. MJSA (799), pp. 1 & 3. The comment
did not specify the international standard the respondents were
supporting.
17 Itelman (277) (supporting 4 markings but advocating
800, 850, 900 and 950); Hansen (335) (recommending Pt1000, Pt999,
Pt950 and Pt900); Austin (413); (recommending 6 markings, Pt999,
Pt950, Pt900, Pt850, Pt750 and Pt500); Root (414) (same); Rivclan
(496); (advocating simplified stamping using Pt999, Pt950, Pt750,
Pt585 and Pt500); Delmarva (497) (same); Four-Star (656) (same);
Schoenke (300) (recommending two hallmarks 950Pt and Pt90/Ir10);
Schoenke (604) (same); Graubart (322) (supporting one hallmark,
Pt900); Goph Albitz (385) (recommending two markings, Pt999 and
Pt950); Nengelken (590) (advocating use of Pt999, Pt950 and Pt900
only); Cockrell (606) (supporting the use of 4 markings with the
addition of Pt585); Jordan (631) (recommending 3 markings, Pt999,
Pt950, Pt900); Eichberg (681) (advocating three markings, Pt999,
Pt950, Pt900); Ward (685) (recommending Pt1000, Pt999, Pt950 and
Pt900).
18 Canada (802), p. 4 (explaining that the international
standard does not permit a minus tolerance from the declared
quality).
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Based on the international standards reflected in the ISO standard
19 and the request in the comments to utilize standards that are
recognized internationally, the Commission has revised section 7 to
provide, in subsection (c)(3), that ``[a]n industry product consisting
of 850 parts per thousand pure Platinum, 900 parts per thousand pure
Platinum, or 950 parts per thousand pure Platinum may be marked or
described as `Platinum' provided that the Platinum marking is preceded
by a number indicating the amount of parts per thousand of pure
Platinum.''
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19 The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 states that no federal
agency ``may engage in standards-related activity that creates
unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United States .
. .'' 19 U.S.C. Sec. 2532 (1995). It also states that federal
agencies must, in developing standards, ``take into consideration
international standards and shall, if appropriate, base the
standards on international standards.'' 19 U.S.C. Sec. 2532(2)(A)
(1980). A ``standard'' is defined as ``a document approved by a
recognized body that provides, for common and repeated use, rules,
guidelines, or characteristics for products or related processes and
production methods, with which compliance is not mandatory. Such
term may also include or deal exclusively with terminology, symbols,
packaging, marking, or labeling requirements as they apply to a
product, process, or production method.'' 19 U.S.C. Sec. 2571(13)
(1995). An international standard is defined as a standard
promulgated by an organization engaged in international standards-
related activities, the membership of which is open to
representatives, whether public or private, of the United States and
all members of the World Trade Organization (``WTO''). 19 U.S.C.
Sec. 2571 (5), (6), and (8) (1995). A WTO member is ``a state or
separate customs territory (within the meaning of Article XII of the
WTO Agreement), with respect to which the United States applies the
WTO Agreement. Uruguay Round Agreements Act, 19 U.S.C. Sec. 3501(10)
(1995).
According to the ``foreword'' sections in ISO Standard 9202
(cited above), ISO is ``a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies. The work of preparing International Standards is normally
carried out through ISO technical committees.'' ISO is open to
representatives from the United States and to representatives from
members of the WTO, and qualifies as an international standards
organization.
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The comments also asserted that in international trade, platinum
articles are marked with the parts per thousand accompanied by a two-
letter abbreviation, ``Pt.'' 20 The ISO standard does not address
abbreviation of the word ``platinum''; however, based on the comments'
unanimous support for such abbreviations, the Commission has revised
section 7 of the Guides to permit the use of two-letter abbreviations,
for platinum and the other PGM, in addition to the use of four-letter
abbreviations (e.g., ``Plat.'' or ``Pt.,'' ``Irid.'' or ``Ir.,''
``Pall.'' or ``Pd.,'' ``Ruth.'' or ``Ru.,'' ``Rhod.'' or ``Rh.,'' and
``Osmi.'' or ``Os.''). Therefore, subsection (c)(3) of revised section
7 provides that industry products consisting of 850, 900, or 950 parts
per thousand pure Platinum may be marked ``850Pt.,'' ``850Plat.,''
``900Pt.,'' ``900Plat.,'' ``950Pt.,'' ``950Plat.'' respectively.21
For these products (i.e., products containing 850 parts per thousand
and above pure platinum), only the amount of pure platinum need be
disclosed; there is no need to refer to the presence (or absence) of
other PGM.22
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20 Question 7 in the FRN addressed this issue: ``Should
platinum and other PGM be described with two letter abbreviations?
Do consumers understand two letter abbreviations?'' 61 FR 27227.
Four comments responded to this question, three of which advocated
the use of two-letter abbreviations. These three comments further
stated that although some consumers may not understand two-letter
abbreviations, they would become accustomed to them over time.
Johnson Matthey (396), p. 4; PGI (718), p. 3; Canada (802), p. 5;
cf. MJSA (799), p. 3 (questionnaire results: 7 yes, 9 no, 1 no
response).
21 Although the comments indicated that ``999Pt.'' is a
standard also used internationally, the Commission chose not to
include this standard because it was not mentioned in ISO Standard
9202. As discussed below, however, the Guide would permit the use of
this marking under Sec. 23.7(c)(4).
22 As discussed below, the revised Guides contain a
different marking scheme for products containing less than 850 parts
per thousand pure platinum, which is a simplified version of the
current standard as described in the VPS.
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This provision differs in two respects from the current Guides,
based on the VPS, which allowed articles containing between 750 and 950
parts per thousand pure platinum and 950 parts per thousand PGM, to be
marked ``platinum'' provided the name of the other PGM preceded the
word platinum.23 First, in the revised Guides,
[[Page 16672]]
the Commission is not requiring that products containing 850 parts per
thousand pure platinum and above also contain 950 parts per thousand
PGM. The international standard, as described in the ISO and the
comments, does not contain this requirement. To maintain consistency
with the international standards, the Commission has decided to omit
this requirement in the revised Guides.
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23 VPS Section 3.5(2).
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Second, the VPS for products containing between 750 and 950 parts
per thousand pure platinum (and 950 parts per thousand PGM) required
that the next predominant PGM in the article be disclosed and precede
platinum in the marking, which resulted in markings such as ``Irid.-
Plat.'' The revised Guide permits a disclosure of solely the platinum
content in parts per thousand without reference to other PGM where the
article contains 850 parts per thousand pure platinum or above. In the
FRN the Commission discussed the ``Irid.-Plat.'' marking specifically
and solicited comments regarding whether consumers understand this
marking.24 Three comments addressed this issue and indicated that
the ``Irid.-Plat.'' marking may be confusing to consumers.25 The
Canadian Government's comment explained that ``[c]onsumers have become
accustomed to ingredient listings which place the predominant substance
first in the listing, followed thereafter by other substances in
descending order by weight''; therefore, an ``Irid.-Plat.'' marking is
counter-intuitive.26
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24 61 FR 27225.
25 Hoover (479) (``difficult to understand why 95%
platinum is PT and 90% platinum with 10% iridium is Irid.-Plat.'');
Peters (701) (no benefit to consumers to identify products as Irid.-
Plat.); Canada (802), pp. 3-4 (may be confusing to consumers).
26 Canada (802), p. 3.
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Based upon these three comments and the previously discussed
comments' unanimous plea for consistency with international standards,
the Commission has decided not to include the provision in the VPS for
marking products consisting of between 750 and 950 parts per thousand
platinum as a safe harbor in section 7 of the revised Guides.27 As
a result, products containing 850 parts per thousand pure platinum and
above can now be marked solely with the parts per thousand of pure
platinum content and a two- or four-letter abbreviation for platinum,
and there is no requirement that the article contain 950 parts per
thousand PGM.
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27 The omission of this provision of the VPS as a safe
harbor in the revised Guides is the only instance where the revised
Guides may conflict with markings or descriptions now existing on
platinum products. One commenter indicated that the Commission
should include an exemption in the Guides to exempt platinum jewelry
from the revised Guides if stamped prior to the revision. Suna (801)
(asserting that hallmarking changes are very costly). Although the
Commission is no longer providing a safe harbor for such markings or
descriptions, the Guides do not state that such markings or
descriptions are unfair or deceptive; therefore, markings in
accordance with the provisions of the Guides that governed platinum
claims prior to these revisions need not be changed.
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B. Unqualified Use of the Word ``Platinum'' in a Marking or Description
As discussed above, the VPS provided that an article could be
marked solely with the word ``platinum'' if 985 parts per thousand are
PGM and 935 parts per thousand are pure platinum. The JVC proposed that
the requirement of 985 parts per thousand PGM be changed to 950 parts
per thousand pure platinum. In response to the 1992 FRN, fourteen
comments addressed this issue. Twelve favored the revision and two
opposed the revision without offering substantive reasons.28 The
comments supporting this revision asserted that ``950 platinum'' is the
accepted standard worldwide and use of this standard would harmonize
the Guides with international practices.29
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28 61 FR 27224 notes 5-6 (May 30, 1996).
29 See 61 FR 27224.
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The 1996 FRN proposed changing section 7 of the Guides as
recommended by the JVC and many of the prior comments, to provide that
``[a]n industry product consisting of at least 950 parts per thousand
pure Platinum may be marked `Platinum' '' without qualification. Only
one of the comments received in response to the 1996 FRN addressed this
issue. The Platinum Guild International (``PGI'') opined that ``the
guidance for platinum jewelry should be the same, whether below or
above 950 ppt pure platinum.'' 30 As described above, the PGI,
both in its individual comments and the form letter comment circulated
to industry, has advocated the use of four consistent markings (Pt999,
Pt950, Pt900 and Pt850). PGI asserts that these markings will
facilitate export of U.S. platinum jewelry.
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30 PGI (718), p.2.
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The Commission has decided that unqualified use of the word
``platinum'' to mark or describe industry products consisting of 950
parts per thousand pure platinum or above would not be misleading and
would not hamper international trade. For many years, the Guides have
permitted a marking or description of ``platinum'' where the pure
platinum content was sufficiently high. To address the concern raised
in the comment, the Commission has made this marking an alternative
marking. Manufacturers and retailers who seek to export their products
or maintain consistency with international standards are free to use
``950Pt.''
C. Minimum Standard for a Platinum Description or Marking
The Commission received numerous comments proposing that 850 parts
per thousand pure platinum be established as the minimum standard for a
platinum marking. The PGI individual comments and the 730 form letter
comments strongly advocate this position, and 23 other comments also
support 850 parts per thousand as a minimum standard for a platinum
marking.31 Nineteen comments support 900 parts per thousand pure
platinum as the minimum standard for a platinum marking; 32 one
comment recommends a minimum of 800 parts per thousand pure platinum;
33 eight comments advocate a 585 minimum; 34 and four
comments support a minimum of 500 parts per thousand pure platinum for
a platinum marking.35 One commenter indicated that it is currently
preparing to market jewelry containing 585 parts per thousand pure
platinum.36
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31 Taylor (002); PGI (718); Graubert (322); LaPrad (341);
Johnson Matthey (396); Hoover (479); Worthington (503); Raskin
(527); Jones (569); Hartsfield (572); Kelrick (587); Samuel (612);
Buruss (614); Montanaria (642); Jolliff (678) (representative of the
Nat'l Assoc. of Jewelry Appraisers (670 members)); Rudolf (806);
Jain (683); Yanke (717); Carey (759); Hurst (763); Peters (701);
Mathews (779); Good (792); Kelrick (796); Suma (801).
32 Neiman (022); Leber (045); Caldiers (063); Snyder
(086); Novell (180, 181 & 182) (three employees of the same
retailer; each sent the identical comment); Silver (276); Schoenke
(300 & 604); Hansen (335); Glasser (337); Urban (574); Schechter
(451); Nengelken (590); Jordan (631); Moses (647); Ward (685);
Sullivan (703).
33 Itelman (277) (recommending 800PT as the minimum
standard because 10KT is the minimum for gold).
34 Four-Star (173); Avante (174); Shersher (374); Smith
(762); Rivclan (496); Delmarva (497); Four-Star (656); Cockrell
(606).
35 Shersher (001); Austin (413); Root (414); Coleman &
Rhine (805); see also MJSA (799), p. 3 (questionnaire results: 3
supported a platinum marking for products below 500 parts per
thousand pure platinum, 14 opposed).
36 Shersher (374).
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The form letter comments advocating an 850 parts per thousand pure
platinum minimum standard for a platinum marking explain that:
Growth of over 300% in the last three years in the U.S. platinum
market has been achieved by promoting certain characteristics of
platinum to consumers. These are: platinum's purity, rarity,
distinctive color, luster and density. 850 parts per thousand is the
minimum content to retain these qualities, which are prized by the
American consumer.37
37 Taylor (002).
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[[Page 16673]]
The PGI comment explains that ``[t]here is no other worldwide
market, with the exception of the U.S., which allows platinum jewelry
items below 850 ppt pure platinum to be sold.'' 38 PGI also
asserted that the marking as platinum of products that contain less
than 850 parts per thousand pure platinum:
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38 PGI (718), p. 1.
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would seriously diminish the quality of jewelry products at the
manufacturing and consumer level. * * * To include such low purity
platinum jewelry in the guidelines would not make platinum products
accessible to consumers but would allow for poor quality and less
durable products to permeate the U.S. market from off-shore
manufacturing and from U.S. manufacturers, thus misrepresenting the
benefits and qualities of high-purity platinum.39
\39\ PGI (718), p. 3. Johnson Matthey asserted similarly that
permitting products with less than 850 parts per thousand pure
platinum to be marked as platinum ``would seriously devalue the
status of the metal as a jewelry material'' and would ``damage the
US jewelry industry's reputation and restrict export opportunities
for American companies.'' Johnson Matthey (396), p. 4.
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Johnson Matthey explained that ``[t]he qualities and
characteristics of platinum can be changed by the addition of certain
elements in varying proportions. * * * It is Johnson Matthey's
experience that alloy additions greater than 15% offer no improvements
in platinum's working characteristics but can adversely affect its
desirable qualities such as colour and density.'' 40
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\40\ Johnson Matthey (396), p. 3. Johnson Matthey further
explained that ``For example: The addition of 5% copper extends tool
life for machined jewelry products and the addition of 5% cobalt
provides greater fluidity and hardness. Some additions require
greater quantities to be truly effective, for example iridium which
at 5% has a limited hardening effect but at 10% provides a very
versatile alloy for jewelry manufacture.'' Johnson Matthey (396), p.
3; see also Canada (802), p. 3 (stating that many characteristics,
such as density, acidity, strength, ductility, hardness, wear
resistance, color and light, are affected to various extents subject
to alloy proportions of precious metals). These comments were
addressed to question 1 in the FRN (``Do products with less than 950
parts per thousand pure platinum have the same qualities and
characteristics as products with larger amounts of platinum?''). 61
FR 27226.
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The comments advocating 900 parts per thousand pure platinum as the
minimum standard for a platinum marking use a similar rationale as the
PGI, Johnson Matthey, and form letter comments to support their
position.41 In fact, many of these commenters submitted the form
letter comment but simply replaced 850 with 900.42 Certain
comments, however, raised the concern that products containing 585
parts per thousand pure platinum will confuse consumers because 14K
gold products contain 58.5% gold.43 These comments assert that
where the products contain gold ornaments on a platinum band, for
instance, the consumer will think the ``585'' refers to the gold
content in the ornament and the ``platinum'' refers to the platinum
content in the band. Section 23.9(a) of the current Guides discusses
deception as to applicability of a mark. It states that ``[i]f a
quality mark on any industry product is applicable only to part of the
product, the part of the product to which it is applicable (or
inapplicable) should be disclosed when, absent such disclosure, the
location of the mark misrepresents the product or part's true
composition.'' Therefore, the markings referred to in these comments
could be considered deceptive under the current Guides. Thus, no
further provision in section 7 is required to address this concern.
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\41\E.g., Nengelken (590) (asserting that platinum is a precious
metal and lower alloys reduce quality); Ward (685) (opining that 900
is the minimum necessary to ``retain the quality, purity, security,
distinctive color, luster, density and rarity which are valued by
the American consumer''); Sullivan (703) (stating that any tolerance
below 900 ``would downgrade the image [of platinum] in the
industry'').
\42\ Neiman (022); Leber (045); Caldiers (063); Snyder (086);
Novell (180, 181 & 182) (three employees of the same retailer; each
sent in the identical comment); Silver (276); Glasser (337); Jordan
(631).
\43\ Schechter (451); Montanari (642); Hurst (763); cf. Goph
(386) (asserting that 14 karat white gold is the substitute for
consumers who cannot afford platinum and remarking that 585 platinum
will ruin platinum's reputation-- ``if consumers want cheap, let
them buy 14K white gold'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The comments supporting 585 as the minimum standard explain that
having products consisting of 585 parts per thousand pure platinum and
950 parts per thousand PGM ``makes platinum jewelry significantly more
affordable without sacrifices in color, look or quality.'' 44 Two
comments, advocating 500 parts per thousand pure platinum as the
minimum, assert that a product should consist of at least half of what
it is called; ``[a] higher standard may `tie the hands' of future
technological breakthroughs'' and ``be a detriment to the long term
platinum market and its salability.'' 45
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\44\ Shersher (374), p. 2; see also Cockrell (606) (stating ``we
have 10K gold. Why not a lower karat platinum?''); Rivclan (496)
(asserting that 585 platinum ``is excellent jewelry for
manufacturing and provides an all important choice for the middle
class consumers who can't afford expensive platinum jewelry.'');
Delmarva (497) (same); Four-Star (656) (same).
\45\ Austin (413); accord Root (414).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PGI has explained that it has apprehensions about supporting 58.5%
platinum because questions still remain as to whether this alloy will
be durable, scratch resistant, hypo-allergenic, or will provide a
superior setting for gem stones and a dramatic cost savings to
consumers--``58.5% platinum has not been properly analyzed or
researched to the point where PGI would feel comfortable endorsing this
platinum category.'' 46
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\46\ PGI (272), pp. 3-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Commission has received no evidence indicating that a pure
platinum content below 850 parts per thousand or 900 parts per thousand
results in a product that has lost the qualities that consumers
associate with platinum. For many years, the Guides have permitted a
platinum marking on products consisting of less than 850 parts per
thousand pure platinum.47 The ISO standard indicates in a note
that ``[a] possible inclusion of platinum 750% (sic) may be envisaged
in the course of further revision of this International Standard.''
48
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\47\ As described above, the VPS, referenced in the current
Guide, provided for platinum markings for products consisting of
between 500 and 750 parts per thousand pure platinum and for
products consisting of between 750 and 950 parts per thousand pure
platinum. VPS Sections 3.5(2)-(3). Two different marking schemes
were used for each range; both, however, allowed the word platinum
to be used in the marking.
\48\ ISO 9202: 1991(E).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Commission believes that if consumers are given full disclosure
as to the platinum content and the content of the remaining PGM in the
product, they will not be misled. An informative marking or description
will put consumers on notice that the product contains certain precious
metals, thereby putting them in a position to inquire of the jeweler as
to the relative value of the different metals and the overall value of
the product. The Commission is persuaded, however, that products
consisting of below 500 parts per thousand pure platinum should not
bear a platinum marking even if the platinum predominates because this
has been the historical standard.49 Accordingly, the revised
Guides provide that ``[a]n industry product consisting of at least 950
parts per thousand PGM, and of at least 500 parts per thousand pure
Platinum, may be marked
[[Page 16674]]
`Platinum' provided that the mark of each PGM constituent is preceded
by a number indicating the amount in parts per thousand of each PGM, as
for example, `600Pt.350Ir.,' or `600Plat.350Irid.' '' 50
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\49\ FRN question 6 requested comment on whether products could
be marked ``platinum'' if the product contained 950 parts per
thousand PGM, of which less than 500 parts per thousand were pure
platinum. 61 FR 27227. Eleven comments addressed this question and
unanimously stated that products below 500 parts per thousand pure
platinum should not be marked platinum. Root (360); Austin (361);
Johnson Matthey (396), p. 4; Austin (413); Root (414); Rivclan
(496); Delmarva (497); Four-Star (656); Moses (647); Peters (701);
PGI (718). The only comment arguably supporting a platinum marking
for products consisting of less than 500 parts per thousand pure
platinum was the MJSA comment that indicated that 3 of the 17
members responding to their questionnaire supported such a marking
and 14 opposed it. MJSA (799), p. 3. Thus, the Commission is
retaining the prohibition in the current Guides against platinum
markings for products containing less than 500 parts per thousand
platinum.
\50\ In addition, revised section 23.7(b)(2) of the Guides
provides that a marking or description using the word platinum or
any abbreviation and a number indicating the parts per thousand,
where the product contains less than 850 parts per thousand pure
platinum, without mention of the other PGM contained in the product,
such as ``600Platinum,'' may be misleading. The revised Guide also
retains the requirement of the VPS that products containing lower
levels of pure platinum must contain 950 part per thousand PGM. The
revised Guide includes this requirement for articles containing less
than 850 parts per thousand platinum, whereas the VPS required at
least 950 parts per thousand PGM for any article to be marked as
platinum. As discussed above, the Commission is not requiring 950
parts per thousand PGM for products containing 850 parts per
thousand platinum and above because the international standard (as
described in ISO 9202 and the comments) does not contain this
requirement.
This marking also provides guidance in the event the platinum
industry develops new variations of PGM metals, for example
``925Plat.75Irid.'' (This product also could be marked
``900Plat.''). The comments indicated that most platinum jewelry
consists of either 900 or 950 parts per thousand pure platinum with
the exception of platinum chains, which usually contain 850 parts
per thousand pure platinum. The acceptable markings, however, are
broad enough to address new innovations should they occur.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This provision is the standard from the VPS, referenced in the
current Guide. In the VPS, this standard only applied to products
consisting of between 500 and 750 parts per thousand pure platinum. As
discussed above, a different standard applied to products consisting of
between 750 and 950 parts per thousand pure platinum. One of the goals
of revising the Guides was to simplify and update the current
standards. The comments responding to question 2 in the FRN, which
asked whether the guidance for products with differing levels of
platinum should be the same, indicated that there is no reason to have
these different standards.51 Thus, use of the one standard for
products containing less than 850 parts per thousand pure platinum
simplifies the current guidance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\51\ Shersher (001); Johnson Matthey (396), pp. 3-4; Rivclan
(496); Delmarva (497); Four-Star (656); PGI (718); Coleman & Rhine
(806). These comments also indicated that one standard may result in
less confusion for consumers. The MJSA comment indicated that the
members supported using the same guidance; of the 17 responding to
the questionnaire, 10 supported the same guidance, 3 opposed, and 4
had no response. MJSA (799), p. 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another option was to permit a derivation of the international
standard with only the parts per thousand and a platinum abbreviation
disclosed, with no mention of the other PGM. The Commission has decided
to retain the standard from the VPS, which requires disclosure of all
the PGM, and apply it to products containing less than 850 parts per
thousand pure platinum. To the extent there are concerns that articles
with a pure platinum content below 850 parts per thousand do not
possess the same qualities and characteristics of higher platinum
content articles, the requirement of additional information for such
articles will help insure that consumers are provided with clear and
accurate information to make informed purchasing decisions.52
Several comments indicated that it may be costly to mark, in parts per
thousand, each PGM and that these markings are not beneficial to
consumers.53 The Commission believes, however, that including each
PGM and the parts per thousand for products containing less than 850
parts per thousand pure platinum is beneficial to consumers. By making
consumers aware of the presence of PGM other than platinum in the
article, the consumer is put on notice and may ask the jeweler to
explain the difference between the article and another article solely
marked with the pure platinum content.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
52 See Canada (802), p. 3 (``[a]llowing the market to
find its own level through providing consumers with clear and
accurate information on the products so that they can make informed
purchasing decisions is the basic ideal model.'')
53 These comments were received in response to question
3, posed in the FRN (``For products consisting of less than 950
parts pure platinum, what are the benefits and costs of marking each
PGM contained in the product? Should the amount of each metal, in
parts per thousand, be disclosed?'' 61 FR 27227). Nine comments
addressed this specific issue. Three stated that it can be costly to
mark each metal in parts per thousand. Shersher (001); Canada (806),
p. 4; PGI (718), p. 3. Seven stated that it is not beneficial and
perhaps confusing to mark each metal in its parts per thousand.
Mathews (779); Johnson Matthey (396), p. 4; Rivclan (496); Delmarva
(497); Four-Star (656); Peters (701); PGI (718); cf. Canada (806),
p. 4 (stating that markings of each metal in parts per thousand may
have only questionable value to the consumer who is only concerned
with the total platinum content). The MJSA comment appears to
indicate that 9 members believe the amount of each metal, in parts
per thousand, should be disclosed; 6 do not; and, 2 did not respond.
The comment is unclear, however, whether these responses correspond
to the question regarding costs and benefits or the question
regarding marking. MJSA (799), p. 2.
Seven comments responded to FRN question 4 (``Should products
with less than 950 parts pure platinum be marked with only the
amount of pure platinum contained in the product (e.g., PLAT 900)?
Do consumers understand this marking? Would percentage markings
(e.g., 90% Plat) be preferable and feasible?'' 61 FR 27227). These
comments indicated that only the platinum content in parts per
thousand should be disclosed. Shersher (001); Johnson Matthey (396),
p. 4; Peters (701); PGI (718), p. 3; Canada (802), p. 4; cf. MJSA
(799), p. 2 (Marking only with platinum: 8 yes, 9 no; Consumers
understanding the marking: 5 yes, 9 no, 3 no response). Three
comments indicated that a percentage mark could be mis-read. Johnson
Matthey (396), p. 4; PGI (718), p. 3; Canada (802), p. 4. Two
comments stated that consumers will understand a marking of ``Plat
900.'' Moses (647); PGI (718), p. 3. One comment indicated that
consumers may not understand such a marking. Canada (802), p. 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
D. The Marking of Products Containing Less Than 500 Parts Per Thousand
Pure Platinum
The VPS, referenced in the current Guide, does not allow a platinum
marking for articles with less than 500 parts per thousand pure
platinum but does permit a marking containing the full name of the PGM,
other than platinum, that predominates.54 The Commission has
decided not to include this section of the VPS as a safe harbor in the
revised Guides. Although a standard (that differed slightly from the
VPS) for products containing less than 500 parts per thousand pure
platinum but 950 parts per thousand PGM was proposed,55 no
comments were received regarding the proposal. The Commission is aware
that there is an ISO standard for palladium products.56 The
Commission has no evidence, however, that products that would fall
under this category of markings are being sold in the U.S. Thus, the
Commission has determined that guidance for such products is not needed
at this time.57
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
54 VPS Section 3.5(4). For example, an article consisting of
600 parts per thousand palladium, 200 parts per thousand platinum
and 150 parts per thousand iridium could be marked ``Palladium.''
55 61 FR 27227.
56 The ISO standard for palladium provides for two
markings for palladium, 500 and 950 parts per thousand.
57 Articles marked or described consistent with the ISO
standard or the provisions in the current Guides are not likely to
be considered unfair or deceptive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. Miscellaneous Issues
A. Platinum-Filled, Platinum Overlay, or Platinum-Clad Products
The Commission solicited comment on the need for guidance regarding
descriptions of platinum-filled, platinum overlay, or platinum-clad
products.58 Five comments responded. Johnson Matthey, the PGI, and
the Canadian government all stated that they were unaware of any
``platinum-filled'' products being manufactured worldwide.59 Based
on these comments, the Commission has determined that
[[Page 16675]]
guidance for such products is not needed at this time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
58 61 FR 27227 (question 8).
59 Johnson Matthey (396), p. 5; PGI (718), p. 4; Canada
(802), p. 5. One comment stated that there is a need for Commission
guidance but provided no rationale or suggestions. Moses (647). The
MJSA comments indicate that 12 members felt a need for guidance and
5 did not; no reasons or suggestions were provided. MJSA (799, p.
3). Johnson Matthey and PGI did suggest, however, that the guidance
on gold and silver-filled articles could be adopted for platinum.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Chain Articles
The Commission also solicited comments regarding whether chain
articles containing solder-filled wire and consisting of at least 850
parts per thousand pure platinum should be marked ``platinum.'' 60
Eight comments addressed this issue. Six responded that chain articles
containing solder-filled wire and consisting of at least 850 parts per
thousand pure platinum should be marked platinum.61 One comment
responded that all platinum products, including chains, should have a
minimum of 900 parts per thousand pure platinum.62 The Canadian
Government comment asserted that the issue of chain articles filled
with solder wire may be mooted by the improvements said to be achieved
with laser welding.63 The Commission has decided that there is no
basis for the Guides to treat chain products differently from any other
industry product containing platinum. Therefore, the markings for chain
articles should follow the same standards as all other industry
products containing platinum or PGM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
60 61 FR 27227 (question 9).
61 Itelman (277); Johnson Matthey (396), p. 5; Buruss
(614); Moses (647); PGI (718); cf. MJSA (799), p. 3 (9 yes, 6 no, 2
no response).
62 LaPrad (341).
63 Canada (802), p. 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. Other
Several comments raised issues regarding other provisions of the
Guides not concerning articles made with platinum.64 One comment
addressed an FTC matter that did not relate to the Guides in any
respect.65 These comments were forwarded to appropriate Commission
staff to address but were not considered with respect to the revisions
to Section 23.7 of the Guides.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\64\ Hoover (479) (discussing gold standards); Schwartz (709)
(describing diamond disclosures); Kremkow (719) (representative of
the International Colored Gemstone Association, addressing gemstone
treatments); Nicholls (736) (discussing diamond disclosures);
Mayfield (754) (addressing gemstone treatments); Krementz (798)
(describing gold standards and diamond disclosures).
\65\ Bakery (760) (discussing a company's violation of an FTC
order).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 23
Advertising, Trade practices, Watches and jewelry.
Accordingly, the Commission amends chapter I of Title 16 of the
Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
PART 23--[AMENDED]
1. The authority for citation for Part 23 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: Sec. 6, 5, 38 Stat. 721, 719; 15 U.S.C. 46, 45.
2. Section 23.7 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 23.7 Misuse of the words ``platinum,'' ``iridium,''
``palladium,'' ``ruthenium,'' ``rhodium,'' and ``osmium.''
(a) It is unfair or deceptive to use the words ``platinum,''
``iridium,'' ``palladium,'' ``ruthenium,'' ``rhodium,'' and ``osmium,''
or any abbreviation to mark or describe all or part of an industry
product if such marking or description misrepresents the product's true
composition. The Platinum Group Metals (PGM) are Platinum, Iridium,
Palladium, Ruthenium, Rhodium, and Osmium.
(b) The following are examples of markings or descriptions that may
be misleading: 10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ See paragraph (c) of this section for examples of
acceptable markings and descriptions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Use of the word ``Platinum'' or any abbreviation, without
qualification, to describe all or part of an industry product that is
not composed throughout of 950 parts per thousand pure Platinum.
(2) Use of the word ``Platinum'' or any abbreviation accompanied by
a number indicating the parts per thousand of pure Platinum contained
in the product without mention of the number of parts per thousand of
other PGM contained in the product, to describe all or part of an
industry product that is not composed throughout of at least 850 parts
per thousand pure platinum, for example, ``600Plat.''
(3) Use of the word ``Platinum'' or any abbreviation thereof, to
mark or describe any product that is not composed throughout of at
least 500 parts per thousand pure Platinum.
(c) The following are examples of markings and descriptions that
are not considered unfair or deceptive:
(1) The following abbreviations for each of the PGM may be used for
quality marks on articles: ``Plat.'' or ``Pt.'' for Platinum; ``Irid.''
or ``Ir.'' for Iridium; ``Pall.'' or ``Pd.'' for Palladium; ``Ruth.''
or ``Ru.'' for Ruthenium; ``Rhod.'' or ``Rh.'' for Rhodium; and
``Osmi.'' or ``Os.'' for Osmium.
(2) An industry product consisting of at least 950 parts per
thousand pure Platinum may be marked or described as ``Platinum.''
(3) An industry product consisting of 850 parts per thousand pure
Platinum, 900 parts per thousand pure Platinum, or 950 parts per
thousand pure Platinum may be marked ``Platinum,'' provided that the
Platinum marking is preceded by a number indicating the amount in parts
per thousand of pure Platinum (for industry products consisting of 950
parts per thousand pure Platinum, the marking described in
Sec. 23.7(b)(2) above is also appropriate). Thus, the following
markings may be used: ``950Pt.,'' ``950Plat.,'' ``900Pt.,''
``900Plat.,'' ``850Pt.,'' or ``850Plat.''
(4) An industry product consisting of at least 950 parts per
thousand PGM, and of at least 500 parts per thousand pure Platinum, may
be marked ``Platinum,'' provided that the mark of each PGM constituent
is preceded by a number indicating the amount in parts per thousand of
each PGM, as for example, ``600Pt.350Ir.,'' ``600Plat.350Irid.,'' or
``550Pt.350Pd.50Ir.,'' ``550Plat.350Pall.50Irid.''
Note to Sec. 23.7: Exemptions recognized in the assay of
platinum industry products are listed in Appendix A of this part.
By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
Note: The following appendix will not appear in the Code of
Federal Regulations.
Appendix--List of Commenters and Abbreviations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abbreviation No. Commenter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A & A...................................... 160 A & A Jewelers, Inc.
A.C........................................ 675 A.C. Associates.
A.L. Jacobs................................ 236 A.L. Jacobs & Sons, Jewelers.
A&B........................................ 460 A&B Jewels & Tools.
Aalund..................................... 243 Nanz Aalund.
[[Page 16676]]
Abdulky.................................... 453 F.M. Abdulky, Inc.
Ace........................................ 382 The Ace of Diamonds.
Adams...................................... 43 Adams Jewelers, Inc.
Ajour...................................... 535 Ajour Ltd.
Alexander.................................. 273 Robert Alexander Jewelers.
Alie....................................... 80 A.E. Alie & Sons, Inc.
Alishan.................................... 32 Alishan.
Ali's...................................... 295 Ali's Persian Carpets.
Allen...................................... 521 Douglas Allen Jewelers.
Alsohus.................................... 639 B. Alsohus Jewelers.
Altemueller................................ 585 Altemueller Jewelry.
American................................... 137 The American Jewelry Co.
American................................... 305 American Jewelry Designs.
Anderson................................... 494 T.K. Anderson.
Anderson................................... 437 Bruce Anderson Fine Jewelry.
Anthony.................................... 438 John Anthony Designer.
Anthony.................................... 695 Anthony Jewelers.
Antoinette's............................... 370 Antoinette's Inc.
Antonini................................... 312 Antonini.
Arkins..................................... 204 Arkin's Jewelers.
Arkless.................................... 558 Suzanne M. Arkless.
Armstrong.................................. 82 K.F. Armstrong.
Arnold's................................... 512 Arnold's Jewelry.
Aronstam................................... 483 MS Aronstam.
Arrigoni................................... 49 Arrigoni Jewelers, Inc.
Artisan.................................... 336 Artisan Designs.
Asprey..................................... 70 Asprey.
Auction.................................... 103 Auction Market Resource.
Aura....................................... 87 Aura America, Inc.
Aurion..................................... 3 Aurion International Ltd.
Austin..................................... 413 Austin Jewelry Appraisers.
Austin..................................... 361 Austin Jewelry Appraisers.
Avante..................................... 174 Avante Designs.
Azevedo.................................... 435 Azevedo Jewelers & Gemologists, Inc.
Bachman.................................... 14 Bachman Jewelers.
Bailey..................................... 46 Bailey Banks & Biddle.
Bailey..................................... 372 Bailey Banks & Biddle.
Bakery..................................... 760 Bakery, Confectionery and Tobacco Workers.
Ballard.................................... 90 Ballard & Sons, Inc.
Balshone................................... 788 Joseph G. Balshone.
Barclay's.................................. 549 Barclay's Jewelers.
Barnes..................................... 153 Barnes Jewelry.
Barnes..................................... 456 Barnes Jewelry.
Barthman................................... 332 William Barthman.
Bauer...................................... 218 Christian Bauer.
Beattie.................................... 144 H.W. Beattie & Sons, Inc.
Beauchamp.................................. 482 Beauchamp & Co. Jewelers.
Begeman's.................................. 280 Begeman's Jewelers.
Beins...................................... 404 Robert Beins Jewelers.
Belgian.................................... 529 Belgian Diamond Specialties.
Ben Bridge................................. 219 Ben Bridge Jeweler, Inc.
Ben Adams.................................. 248 Ben Adams.
Benchmark.................................. 206 Benchmark.
Bender's................................... 217 Bender's.
Benson..................................... 13 Gallen Benson.
Berk....................................... 491 Barbara Berk Designs.
Best....................................... 354 Joseph Best.
Betlach.................................... 288 Fredrick E. Betlach.
Bienstock.................................. 392 Bienstock Industries Inc.
Blackstone................................. 133 Blackstone Fine Jewelers.
Blancato................................... 608 F. Blancato, Inc.
Blumer..................................... 334 AB Blumer.
Bockman's.................................. 131 Bockman's Jewelers & Goldsmiths.
Bohan...................................... 222 Jane Bohan, Inc.
Bomberger.................................. 690 Carolyn Bomberger.
Bondanza................................... 126 Michael Bondanza, Inc.
Bongiorno.................................. 36 Alexander J. Bongiorno.
Booth...................................... 241 Richard Booth.
Borelli.................................... 423 Borelli Jewelers.
Boren...................................... 163 CJ & Anita Boren Jewelry.
Borsheim's................................. 226 Borsheim's.
Bosco...................................... 316 John Bosco Jewelry Inc.
[[Page 16677]]
Bracken.................................... 325 Bracken Jewelers.
Brancier................................... 680 Brancier Jeweller.
Braunschweiger............................. 6 Braunschweiger.
Braunschweiger............................. 635 Braunschweiger.
Brentwood.................................. 264 Brentwood Jewelry & Gifts.
Brick House................................ 708 The Brick House.
Bridge..................................... 89 Ben Bridge Jeweler.
Briggs..................................... 599 Louise Briggs.
Brillant................................... 255 Brillant Choice.
Broadway................................... 128 Broadway Jewelers.
Brodkey.................................... 4 Brodkey Brothers, Inc.
Broken..................................... 96 Gem Broken, Inc.
Brookhurst................................. 35 Brookhurst Jewelry & Loan.
Brooks..................................... 159 Brooks Jewelry.
Bruce's.................................... 710 Bruce's Jewelry Co.
Brundage................................... 303 Brundage Jewelers.
Buechner................................... 260 John Buechner, Inc.
Bulfer's................................... 58 Bulfer's.
Buruss..................................... 614 Norman Jewelers, Inc.
Butler..................................... 285 Roger Butler Jewelers.
Butler..................................... 101 KE Butler & Company.
C & C...................................... 665 C & C Jewelers.
Cabochon................................... 39 Cabochon Gems & Designs.
Cadeaux.................................... 551 Cadeaux.
Canada..................................... 802 Consumer Products Directorate, Industry Canada.
Carey...................................... 759 Town & Country Corporation.
Carlos Diaz................................ 235 Carlos Diaz, Silversmiths.
Carlyle.................................... 492 Carlyle & Co. Jewelers.
Carlyle.................................... 634 Carlyle & Co. Jewelers.
Carol Klein................................ 785 Carol Klein Fine Jewelry.
Carre...................................... 548 Henri Carre.
Carreras................................... 252 Carreras Ltd.
Carroll.................................... 47 Carroll's Jewelers.
Carter..................................... 171 Stan Carter Jeweler.
Carter..................................... 486 James B. Carter.
Carter..................................... 129 Carter & Sons.
Carter's................................... 711 Carter's Jewel Chest.
Cartiers................................... 63 Smith Jewelers.
Casey's.................................... 523 Casey's Jewelers.
Cavanaugh's................................ 506 Cavanaugh's Jewelers, Inc.
Chalson.................................... 156 William Chalson & Co. Inc.
Champion's................................. 291 Champion's Jewelers.
Charles.................................... 250 Charles on Fairhaven.
Chateau.................................... 511 Chateau Jewelry Corp.
Chopard.................................... 229 Chopard Watch Corp.
Christensen................................ 185 Christensen & Rafferty.
Christian Bernard.......................... 108 Christian Bernard.
Christopher's.............................. 519 Christopher's Fine Jewelry and Gallery.
Cinnamon................................... 730 Cinnamon Designs.
Clark...................................... 149 B.C. Clark.
Clark...................................... 88 B.C. Clark Jewelers.
Classic.................................... 436 Classic Treasures Jewelry.
Clear Lake................................. 720 Clear Lake Precious Metals.
Club....................................... 104 Club Jewelry Mfg. Inc.
Coast...................................... 310 Coast Diamond.
Cockrell................................... 606 Charles Cockrell.
Coleman & Rhine............................ 805 Coleman & Rhine.
Coleman.................................... 97 Nelson Coleman & Sons, Ltd.
Collector's................................ 696 Collector's Showcase.
Continental................................ 471 Continental Coin Corporation.
Conway..................................... 577 Judith Conway.
Conway..................................... 38 Judith Conway.
Cooper..................................... 179 Jeff Cooper, Inc.
Cooperman.................................. 442 Marilyn F. Cooperman Inc.
Cooperman.................................. 443 Marilyn F. Cooperman.
Cordova.................................... 79 Cordova, Inc.
Cornerstone................................ 117 Cornerstone Jewelry.
Coronado................................... 283 Rodimiro Coronado.
Corum...................................... 580 Corum Jewelers.
Costello................................... 654 Costello Jewelry Co.
Cox........................................ 394 Cox Jewelers.
Crafters................................... 275 Metal Crafters, Inc.
[[Page 16678]]
Craig...................................... 686 David Craig Ltd.
Crescent................................... 388 Crescent Jewelers Inc.
Crews...................................... 84 Crews Fine Jewelry.
Cronier's.................................. 582 Cronier's Fine Jewelry.
Cross...................................... 298 Cross Jewelers.
Cumberland................................. 459 Cumberland Diamond Exchange.
D&F Decker................................. 463 D&F Decker Jewelers.
Dakota..................................... 371 Dakota Gems.
Darden..................................... 661 Darden Jewelers.
Dardin..................................... 263 Dardin Jewelers.
David Porter............................... 782 David Porter Jewelry.
Davids..................................... 476 Davids.
Davidson................................... 469 Davidson & Licht.
David's.................................... 127 David's Ltd.
Davis...................................... 510 Hal Davis Jewelers.
Davis...................................... 109 Davis Diamond Designs.
Davis...................................... 743 Hal Davis Jewelers.
De Bears................................... 379 De Bears, Inc.
De Luna.................................... 102 De Luna Jewelers.
De Jonghe.................................. 610 De Jonghe.
De Scenza.................................. 473 De Scenza Diamonds.
Dearborn................................... 232 Dearborn Jewelers.
Deese...................................... 765 Mikal Deese.
Degroot.................................... 550 Degroot Industries International, Inc.
Dekkers.................................... 537 Dekkers Jewelry.
Delfine's.................................. 545 Delfine's Inc.
Delma...................................... 301 Delma USA Ltd.
Delmarva................................... 497 Delmarva Jewelry.
Delta...................................... 515 Delta Diamond Setters & Jewelers, Inc.
Demi-Cache................................. 148 Demi-Cache, Inc.
Derryberry................................. 461 Josef Derryberry.
Dery....................................... 571 J. Dery Jewelers.
Designs.................................... 317 Designs in Gems.
DFS........................................ 290 DFS Merchandising Limited.
DFS........................................ 289 DFS Merchandising Limited.
Di-Mart.................................... 638 Di-Mart.
Dia........................................ 543 Dia Gem.
Diamond Broker............................. 270 The Diamond Broker & Fine Jewels II.
Diana...................................... 777 Diana Jewelers of Liverpool, Inc.
Diller..................................... 439 Wm. H. Diller Inc.
Direct II.................................. 687 Gold & Diamonds Direct II.
Dodrill.................................... 214 T.K. Dodrill Jewelers.
Dohack..................................... 528 Dohack Jewelers.
Dunay...................................... 221 Henry Dunay Designs, Inc.
DuNouveau.................................. 205 DuNouveau Designs.
Dunstan.................................... 568 Dunstan Jewelers, Ltd.
Dupont..................................... 502 Dupont Jewelers.
Dupont..................................... 343 Dupont Jewelers.
E.S.S...................................... 60 E.S.S., Inc.
Earl....................................... 151 Cindi Earl Fine Jewelry.
Earth...................................... 287 Earth Resources.
Ecco....................................... 329 Ecco High Frequency Corporation.
Eclipse.................................... 12 Eclipse Studio.
Ed Mar..................................... 597 Ed Mar Crystal & Jewelry Co. Inc.
Edward..................................... 504 George Edward Jewelers.
Edwards.................................... 199 J & L Edwards Designs.
Ehrhardt's................................. 72 Ehrhardt's Enterprises.
Ehrlinspiel................................ 110 Egon Ehrlinspiel.
Eichberg................................... 681 E. Eichberg Jewelers, Inc.
Eichhorn................................... 746 Eichhorn Jewelry, Inc.
Elan....................................... 789 Elan Ltd.
Elegance................................... 34 Elegance Jewelry.
Elements................................... 658 Elements Ltd.
Emrick..................................... 297 Emrick Jewels.
Endicott................................... 525 Hudson Endicott.
Endris..................................... 513 J.O. Endris & Son Jewelers.
Engelhard.................................. 593 Engelhard-Clal.
Engelhard-Clal............................. 193 Engelhard-Clal.
Erickson................................... 95 Erickson & Erickson.
Estate..................................... 165 Estate Jewelry.
Eurocraft.................................. 158 Eurocraft.
Facet...................................... 377 Cab N Facet Fine Jewelry.
[[Page 16679]]
Factory's.................................. 122 Factory's Inc.
Fast-Fix................................... 398 Fast-Fix Jewelry Repairs.
Fedra...................................... 176 Fedra, International.
Fell....................................... 541 David H. Fell & Co. Inc.
Ferguson................................... 71 T. Ferguson.
Fernando................................... 707 Creations by Fernando.
Fey........................................ 364 Fey & Company Jewelers.
Finely's................................... 676 George Finely's Jewelers.
Finest..................................... 556 Finest Casting & Service LLC.
Finishing.................................. 641 Finishing Touches.
Fisher..................................... 530 Robert S. Fisher & Company.
Five Star.................................. 786 Five Star Jewelers.
Flash...................................... 48 Flash Manufacturing.
Fogg....................................... 292 F.D. Fogg & Co.
Fojt....................................... 299 J. Fojt Originals.
Ford....................................... 369 Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers.
Forest..................................... 26 Forest Jewelers.
Fortunoff.................................. 458 Fortunoff.
Foster..................................... 589 T. Foster & Co.
Four Stars................................. 656 Four Stars.
Four Stars................................. 173 Four Stars.
Fox........................................ 210 Debbie S. Fox.
Fox's...................................... 674 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 726 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 723 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 727 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 722 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 721 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 672 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 673 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 725 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 671 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 724 Fox's Gem Shop.
Fox's...................................... 728 Fox's Gem Shop.
Francis.................................... 216 Michael Francis Co.
Francis.................................... 215 Michael Francis Co.
Frank...................................... 449 David Frank.
Franz...................................... 501 Franz Jewelers Ltd.
Frasca..................................... 211 Frasca Jewelers.
Fredericks................................. 73 Phillips & Fredericks Jewelers.
Freeman.................................... 797 Freeman Jewelers.
Frei....................................... 536 Frei & Borel.
French Jewels.............................. 664 The French Jewels.
Freund..................................... 188 Freund Jewelers.
Friedheim.................................. 355 Bess Friedheim Jewelry.
Friesen's.................................. 311 Friesen's Jewelers.
Fuller..................................... 194 Fuller Findings.
Future Ring................................ 424 Future Ring Corporation.
G & G...................................... 201 G & G Diamond Brokers.
G.N.K...................................... 470 G.N.K. Co.
Gallery.................................... 416 The Jeweler's Gallery.
Gannaway................................... 161 Gannaway Bros. Jewelry.
Gasser..................................... 308 John Gasser & Son.
Gasser..................................... 147 John Gasser & Son.
Geiss...................................... 663 Geiss & Sons.
Gem Society................................ 741 American Gem Society.
Gem Lab.................................... 274 The Gem Lab.
Gem East................................... 739 Gem East Corporation.
Gem Wave................................... 347 Gem Wave, Inc.
Gem Classics............................... 668 Gem Classics, Ltd.
Gem Smith.................................. 544 The Gem Smith Inc.
Gem Vest................................... 627 Gem Vest.
Gemma...................................... 698 Gemma Gallery.
Gems....................................... 207 Gems & Treasures.
Gemsmith................................... 203 Gemsmith Design Gallery Jewelry.
Gemstone................................... 586 Gemstone Creations.
General.................................... 699 General Findings.
GIA........................................ 659 Gemological Institute of America.
Giganti.................................... 114 Giganti Jewelers.
GIJ........................................ 705 Gemologist International Jewelry.
Ginsberg................................... 468 M.C. Ginsberg Jewelers, Inc.
Gioielli................................... 682 Arata Gioielli.
[[Page 16680]]
Glasser.................................... 337 Gemillion Casting Inc.
Gleim...................................... 539 Gleim the Jeweler.
Glenn Bletz................................ 224 Glenn Bletz & Associates.
Godfrey.................................... 113 Godfrey Jewelers.
Gold Works................................. 651 Gold Works.
Gold Rush.................................. 30 The Gold Rush.
Gold Button................................ 462 Gold Button Jewelers, Inc.
Gold Arts.................................. 653 Gold Arts.
Gold....................................... 118 Gold-N-Designs.
Gold Art................................... 552 Gold Art Handmade Jewelry.
Gold....................................... 119 Gold-N-Designs.
Golden Crown............................... 233 Golden Crown Jewelers.
Golden's................................... 234 Golden's.
Goldex..................................... 339 Goldex Fine Jewelry.
Goldin..................................... 403 Goldin Jewelers Inc.
Goldman.................................... 753 Goldman.
Goldman.................................... 611 Frederick Goldman, Inc.
Goldsmith.................................. 231 Michael's Goldsmith Service, Inc.
Goldsmith.................................. 380 Goldsmith Jewelers.
Goldsmiths................................. 679 Brown Goldsmiths.
Goldworks.................................. 584 The Goldworks.
Good....................................... 792 Michael Good Designs, Inc.
Goodman.................................... 509 Goodman & Sons Jewelers.
Goodwin.................................... 784 Goodwin Manufacturing.
Goph....................................... 386 Goph & Co.
Goph Albitz................................ 385 Goph Albitz Designs.
Gordon..................................... 44 Samuel Gordon Jewelers & Diamond.
Gottlieb................................... 257 Gottlieb & Sons, Inc.
Gould...................................... 56 Gould's Diamonds & Jewelry.
Gould's.................................... 271 Gould's Diamonds & Jewelry.
Grader..................................... 17 Grader Jewelers.
Graubart................................... 322 Maurice B. Graubart & Sons, Jewelers.
Gravano.................................... 68 John Gravano & Co.
Grebitus................................... 581 Grebitus & Sons Jewelers.
Grebitus................................... 517 Grebitus & Sons Jewelers.
Green...................................... 644 Lux Bond & Green.
Greenfield................................. 195 Greenfield Jewelers.
Gross...................................... 256 H.L. Gross & Bros.
Grossman................................... 83 Gale Grossman.
Grove...................................... 514 Diamonds in the Grove.
Grunos..................................... 795 Grunos of Rockford.
H & H...................................... 600 H & H Design.
H. & H..................................... 660 H. & H. Jewels, Inc.
Hadley..................................... 751 A.H. Hadley & Co.
Hadley..................................... 752 A.H. Hadley & Co.
Haimoff.................................... 652 Haimoff & Haimoff.
Hale's..................................... 516 Hale's.
Halina..................................... 116 Halina Fuchs.
Haltom..................................... 245 Mary Haltom Jeweler.
Hamilton................................... 393 Hamilton Jewelers.
Hammond's.................................. 729 Hammond's.
Hands...................................... 578 Hands Jewelers.
Hank....................................... 177 Hank & Co.
Hansen..................................... 335 Hansen Designs.
Hardy's.................................... 613 Hardy's Diamonds.
Harold's................................... 767 Harold's Jewelry Inc.
Harold's................................... 557 Harold's Jewelry Inc.
Hartmann................................... 793 Hartmann Jewelers.
Hartsfield................................. 572 B. Sanfield, Inc.
Hauser..................................... 383 Hauser & Miller Company.
Hauser's................................... 774 Hauser's Jewelers.
Hawken..................................... 629 Armetrout-Hawken.
Hayman..................................... 184 David Hayman Jewelers.
Hebblethwaite.............................. 353 Hebblethwaite.
Heer....................................... 677 Jandina Heer.
Heffern.................................... 560 Elleard B. Heffern, Inc.
Heffern.................................... 561 Elleard B. Heffern, Inc.
Heier...................................... 624 Heier Resources.
Heller..................................... 33 Heller Antiques Ltd.
Henri's.................................... 85 Henri's Jewelry Co.
Heron...................................... 328 G.B. Heron.
Herrud..................................... 92 Herrud Jewelers.
[[Page 16681]]
Herteen.................................... 508 Herteen & Stocker.
Heyman..................................... 397 Oscar Heyman & Brothers, Inc.
Higgins.................................... 621 Higgins Jewelers.
Hill....................................... 11 Hill Jewelers.
Holder..................................... 40 Mark Holder Jeweler.
Holland's.................................. 607 Holland's.
Hollis..................................... 531 Hollis & Company Jewelers.
Hollis..................................... 467 Hollis & Company Jewelers.
Hollis..................................... 532 Hollis & Company Jewelers.
Hoover..................................... 479 Hoover & Strong.
Horwitz.................................... 100 Horwitz Jewelers.
Houck's.................................... 319 Houck's Jewelry.
Houston.................................... 65 Houston Gold Exchange.
Houston.................................... 266 Houston Jewelers.
Houston.................................... 164 Houston Jewelry.
Howard's................................... 357 Howard's Mfg. Jewelers.
Huffords................................... 588 Huffords Jewelry, Inc.
Hunter..................................... 93 Johannes Hunter Jewelers.
Hunters.................................... 441 Hunters Jewelers Ltd.
Hunter's................................... 98 Hunter's Jewelers Ltd.
Hurst...................................... 763 Berwyn Jewelers, Inc.
Illumina................................... 387 Illumina Gallery.
Indigo..................................... 31 Indigo Gallery.
Indorf..................................... 167 Peter Indorf Jewelers.
Inlow...................................... 490 Inlow Designs Jewelers.
Inter Gold................................. 693 Inter Gold (India) Limited.
Int'l. Soc. App............................ 791 International Society of Appraisers.
Isis....................................... 406 Isis Jewelers Inc.
Itelman.................................... 277 Herco.
J. Dery.................................... 237 J. Dery Jewelers.
Jacart..................................... 162 Jacart Gold Exchange.
Jain....................................... 683 Inter Gold (India) Limited.
JAS........................................ 375 JAS Jewelers, Inc.
Jeannie's.................................. 390 Jeannie's Jewelry & Design.
Jewel Box.................................. 474 The Jewel Box.
Jeweler.................................... 198 Jeweler to the Trade, Inc.
Jewelers................................... 62 Jewelers Workshop.
Jewelers, Inc.............................. 646 Jewelers of America, Inc.
Jeweler's Bench............................ 742 Jeweler's Bench.
Jeweler's Bench............................ 769 Jeweler's Bench.
Jewelry Designer........................... 770 Jewelry Designer.
Jewels..................................... 505 Jewels Salon & Boutique.
JIC........................................ 758 Jewelry Information Center.
Joaillier.................................. 24 Fred Joaillier, Inc.
Johnson Matthey............................ 396 Johnson Matthey.
Johnson.................................... 220 Johnson Gems.
Joliff..................................... 678 The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
Jolly's.................................... 249 Jolly's Jewelers and Silversmiths.
Jones...................................... 81 Jones & Jones Jewelers.
Jones...................................... 75 Jones & Jones Jewelers.
Jones...................................... 569 Indigo Gallery.
Jordan..................................... 631 Facets.
Josephson.................................. 579 C.I. Josephson Jewelers.
Jostens.................................... 493 Jostens.
JRB........................................ 632 Jeweler's Resource Bureau.
Juniker.................................... 121 Juniker Jewelry Co.
JVC........................................ 433 JVC Ferrara Co., Inc.
Kaiser..................................... 495 Johann Kaiser.
Kam........................................ 338 Wayne Kam Goldsmith.
Kamen...................................... 407 Robert C. Kamen.
Kaplan..................................... 643 Lazare Kaplan.
Karat Gold................................. 183 Karat Gold Corner.
Karat...................................... 170 Karat Gold Jewelers.
Karat Patch................................ 208 Karat Patch Jewelry, Inc.
Karen's.................................... 731 Karen's Jewelers.
Kazto...................................... 592 Kazto.
Keepsake................................... 74 JC Keepsake, Inc.
Keith...................................... 5 Keith, Inc.
Kelley..................................... 428 Kelley Jewelers.
Kelley..................................... 429 Kelley Jewelers.
Kelrick.................................... 587 Finger Mate, Inc.
Kelrick.................................... 796 Finger Mate, Inc.
[[Page 16682]]
Kendall.................................... 800 Kendall Gemological Services, Inc.
Kendrick................................... 294 Merkley Kendrick.
Kendrick................................... 669 Merkley Kendrick.
Kerr....................................... 591 Kerr Jewelry Division.
Keystone................................... 143 Keystone Findings, Inc.
Khamis..................................... 213 Khamis Fine Jewelers.
Kiger...................................... 27 Keppie Kiger.
Kingsgate.................................. 333 Kingsgate Diamonds, Inc.
Kirk....................................... 28 Kirk Jewelers.
Kizer...................................... 415 Kizer Cummings Jewelers.
Klecka..................................... 10 Paul Klecka.
Klecka..................................... 485 Paul Klecka.
Klima...................................... 120 Tyler Klima.
Knights.................................... 365 Norm Knights.
Knowles.................................... 422 Knowles.
Kohler's................................... 344 Kohler's Fine Jewelry.
Kokkelers.................................. 340 Kokkelers.
Kolman..................................... 440 Kolman Jewelers.
Krementz................................... 798 Krementz & Co.
Krenikow................................... 719 International Colored Gemstone Association.
Kreuter.................................... 489 Jack Kreuter Jewelers.
Krieger.................................... 309 Hans D. Krieger.
Krieger.................................... 776 Hans D. Krieger.
Kuhn....................................... 444 Kuhn, Inc.
La Prad.................................... 341 Robert E. La Prad.
Lacert..................................... 755 William H. Lacert.
Lacher..................................... 409 J.B. Lacher, Inc.
Lacy....................................... 735 Lacy & Co.
Lambert.................................... 399 Bruce Lambert.
Landau..................................... 61 J. Landau, Inc.
Leach...................................... 650 Leach & Garner.
Leber...................................... 45 Leber Limited.
Leitzel's.................................. 238 Leitzel's Jewelry.
Leon's..................................... 124 Leon's Jewelers.
Levin...................................... 29 Jack A. Levin.
Levy....................................... 457 Levy Jewelers.
Levy....................................... 262 Levy Jewelers.
Lieberfarb................................. 253 Lieberfarb, Inc.
Liska...................................... 733 David W. Liska Co.
Living Stones.............................. 778 Living Stones Enterprises.
Lone Star.................................. 55 Lone Star Gold Exchange.
Long....................................... 373 Long Jewelers.
Lord....................................... 314 Lord of the Rings.
Love's..................................... 466 Love's.
Luxor...................................... 150 Luxor Jewelers, Inc.
M & M...................................... 475 M & M Jewelry Repair.
M & J...................................... 714 M & J Jewelry.
M.J. Reed.................................. 302 M.J. Reed Jewelers.
M.J........................................ 622 M.J. Jewellers Ltd.
MAB........................................ 716 MAB Jewelers.
Magnon..................................... 620 Magnon Jewelers.
Mandarin................................... 25 Mandarin Gems.
Mangan..................................... 51 Mangan Jewelers.
Mangan..................................... 52 Mangan Jewelers.
Mark Michael............................... 637 Mark Michael Designs, Inc.
Mark Diamonds.............................. 286 Mark Diamonds Jewelers.
Markides................................... 780 Markides Jewelers.
Marla...................................... 155 Gregg Marla Co.
Marshalls.................................. 247 Marshalls of Milford, Jewelers.
Marshall's................................. 246 Marshall's.
Mart....................................... 417 Cal. Jewelry Mart.
Martin..................................... 99 A.J. Martin.
Marvin..................................... 605 Marvin & Sons.
Marvin..................................... 657 Marvin & Sons.
Marvin..................................... 478 Marvin & Sons.
Marvin..................................... 452 Marvin & Sons.
Maslan..................................... 9 Richard Maslan & Company.
Master..................................... 465 Master Goldsmiths.
Master..................................... 106 Master Goldsmith Collection.
Masters.................................... 157 Color Masters.
Masters.................................... 649 Masters.
Mathews.................................... 281 C. Mathews Design.
[[Page 16683]]
Mathews.................................... 779 C. Mathews Design.
Matlick.................................... 734 Penny Matlick Fine Jewelry Company.
Mayfield's................................. 754 Mayfield's Co.
McArthur................................... 617 McArthur Jewelers.
McFadden................................... 168 William F. McFadden, Inc.
McKay...................................... 401 Bruce McKay.
McKeller................................... 618 Aay McKeller.
McMullen................................... 139 J. McMullen Jewelry.
Measetique................................. 362 Measetique Jewels.
Mednikow................................... 296 Mednikow.
Megginson.................................. 790 Megginson Fine Jewelers.
Megginson.................................. 787 Megginson Fine Jewelers.
Mel........................................ 130 Mel's Diamond House.
Michaels................................... 601 Michaels Jewelers.
Michael's.................................. 573 Michael's Jewelers.
Michael's.................................. 136 Michael's Jewelers.
Mike....................................... 700 Mike Hullingsurt.
Mirjam..................................... 768 Mirjam Butz & Brown Jewelers.
Mithril.................................... 692 Mithril, Ltd. Jewelers.
MJSA....................................... 799 Manufacturing Jewelers & Silversmiths of America.
Modern..................................... 538 Modern Diamond Jewelry.
Moeller.................................... 670 R.F. Moeller Jeweler.
Molberg's.................................. 633 Molberg's, Inc.
Molina..................................... 533 Molina.
Montanari.................................. 642 Montanari.
Montgomery................................. 342 Ned V. Montgomery.
Moore's.................................... 689 Moore's Jewelers.
Moose...................................... 757 Frank L. Moose Jeweler, Inc.
Moretti's.................................. 576 Moretti's Fine Jewelry.
Morgan's................................... 623 Morgan's Jewelers.
Morrissey.................................. 269 Morrissey Fine Jewelry.
Moses...................................... 647 Moses Jewelers.
Moses...................................... 445 Moses Jewelers.
Mossner.................................... 240 Mossner.
Moyer...................................... 619 Moyer Jewelers, Inc.
Moyer...................................... 145 Moyer & Co.
MSK........................................ 323 MSK Designs.
Mulhollen.................................. 135 Mulhollen Jewelry Design.
Mullen..................................... 57 Mullen Bros. Jewelers.
Muller..................................... 352 Muller Jewelers.
MWM........................................ 450 MWM Goldsmithing.
Mystik..................................... 697 Mystik Jewellery.
Nakamura................................... 313 Jerry M. Nakamura & Sons.
Nathan..................................... 553 Nathan Design.
Nature's 10................................ 596 Nature's 10 Jewelers.
Nature's 10................................ 565 Nature's 10 Jewelers.
Nature's 10................................ 595 Nature's 10 Jewelers.
Nature's 10................................ 594 Nature's 10 Jewelers.
Nature's 10................................ 567 Nature's 10 Jewelers.
Nature's 10................................ 566 Nature's 10 Jewelers.
Nature's 10................................ 563 Nature's 10 Jewelers.
Nature's 10................................ 564 Nature's 10 Jewelers.
Nature's 10................................ 562 Nature's 10 Jewelers.
Nazarian................................... 603 R.S. Nazarian Jewelry Manufacturing.
Neiman..................................... 22 Neiman Jewelers.
Neiman..................................... 775 Neiman Marcus.
Nelson..................................... 395 Ken Nelson.
Nengelken.................................. 590 Niessing.
New York................................... 408 New York Jewelers and Collateral Co.
Newton..................................... 547 Newton Industries, Inc.
Nicholls................................... 736 Paradise Jewelry.
Nordstrom.................................. 666 Nordstrom.
Norris..................................... 54 Norris Jewelers, Inc.
Northern................................... 91 Northern Light Gems.
Novell..................................... 181 Novell Enterprises, Inc.
Novell..................................... 180 Novell Enterprises, Inc.
Novell..................................... 182 Novell Enterprises, Inc.
Numis...................................... 197 Numis International, Inc.
OGL........................................ 691 Ohio Gemological Laboratory, Inc.
Old World.................................. 18 Old World Jewelers.
Olde....................................... 112 Olde World Jewelers.
Olson...................................... 706 Cynthia Olson Jewelry.
[[Page 16684]]
Omega...................................... 306 Omega Casting Corporation.
Opulence................................... 268 Opulence.
ORA........................................ 348 ORA Designers.
Orange Blossom............................. 189 Orange Blossom Jewelers.
Orin....................................... 534 Orin Jewelers, Inc.
Orlando.................................... 146 Joseph C. Orlando, Inc.
Ostbye..................................... 366 Ostbye & Anderson Ultrablue Mfg.
Ostling.................................... 640 Ostling & Brooks, Ltd.
OWJ........................................ 359 OWJ
Pace....................................... 141 Pace Jewelers, Inc.
Pace....................................... 425 Pace.
Pacific.................................... 327 Pacific Gemological Laboratory, Inc.
Padilla.................................... 191 Padilla Jewelers.
Palmieri................................... 772 D.A. Palmieri Co., Inc.
Palo Alto.................................. 196 Diamonds of Palo Alto.
Panther.................................... 500 Platinum Panther.
Paradise................................... 749 Paradise.
Paradise................................... 702 Paradise Associates.
Parker..................................... 50 Curt Parker, Inc.
Parker..................................... 738 Curt Parker, Inc.
Parker..................................... 737 Curt Parker, Inc.
Pasdera.................................... 37 Pasdera Custom Jewelers.
Patton..................................... 481 R&I Patton.
Pattons.................................... 419 Pattons.
Pattons.................................... 418 Pattons.
Pavlotzky.................................. 766 George L. Pavlotzky & Son, Inc.
Pearlman's................................. 498 Pearlman's.
Pegasus.................................... 554 Pegasus Jewelry.
PeJay...................................... 154 PeJay Creations Ltd.
Pejois..................................... 381 Pejois, Inc.
Perret..................................... 71 Etienne Perret.
Peters..................................... 701 Handy & Harman.
PGI........................................ 272 Platinum Guild International USA Jewelry Inc.
PGI........................................ 718 Platinum Guild International USA Jewelry, Inc.
PGI........................................ 378 Platinum Guild International USA Jewelry Inc.
PGI........................................ 391 Platinum Guild Int'l. USA Jewelry Inc.
Phillip.................................... 464 Phillip Original Jewelry.
Phillippus................................. 175 Phillippus.
Phillippvs................................. 615 Phillippvs & Co. Inc.
Pilcher.................................... 212 Pilcher Jewelry Company.
Plante..................................... 350 Plante Jewelers.
Platinum Unlimited......................... 583 Platinum Unlimited Inc.
Platinum Plus.............................. 636 Platinum Plus Jewelry, Inc.
Plumb...................................... 524 Plumb Gold Ltd.
Plumb...................................... 431 Plumb Gold Ltd.
Potichke................................... 430 Linda Potichke Jewelry Design.
Prospector................................. 712 The Prospector, Inc.
Prospector................................. 713 The Prospector, Inc.
ProVockative............................... 223 ProVockative Gems, Inc.
Purvis..................................... 267 Purvis Jewelers.
Quality.................................... 472 Quality Casting Inc.
Quinn's.................................... 555 Quinn's Goldsmith.
Rafinity................................... 384 Rafinity.
Raskin..................................... 527 Kemp Metal Products, Inc.
Rawlings................................... 732 Rawlings Jewelry.
Raymond.................................... 59 Raymond Lee Jewelers.
Refined.................................... 41 Refined Designs.
Refractal.................................. 694 Refractal Design, Inc.
Reising.................................... 421 Reising International Inc.
Republic................................... 667 Republic Metals Corporation.
Restifo's.................................. 152 Restifo's Jewelry Laboratory.
Restifo's.................................. 487 Restifo's Jewelry Laboratory.
Reuschleiz................................. 94 C.F. Reuschleiz, Inc.
Reznikov................................... 78 Reznikov's.
Richards................................... 602 Anne Richard Designs.
Richard's.................................. 115 Richard's Jewelry.
Rivclan.................................... 496 Sandy Rirdon Peweters.
Robann's................................... 186 Robann's Jewelers.
Robbins.................................... 376 Bernie Robbins.
Robbins.................................... 125 Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelry.
Robins..................................... 169 Robins Jewelers.
Robinson................................... 499 Barnett Robinson, Inc.
[[Page 16685]]
Roni....................................... 178 Roni Jewel
Root....................................... 360 C. Kirk Root Designs.
Root....................................... 414 C. Kirk Root Designs.
Roth....................................... 455 Karen Roth.
Royal...................................... 107 Royal Jewelers, Inc.
Royal...................................... 307 Royal Jewelry Mfg. Inc.
Royston.................................... 750 Royston Jewels.
Rubel...................................... 484 Fredric H. Rubel.
Rudolf..................................... 806 OE Design.
Rummele's.................................. 123 Rummele's Jewelers.
Rutledge................................... 747 Neil Rutledge & Co.
RV Coin.................................... 166 RV Coin & Jewelry Exchange.
Sadovsky................................... 480 Mark Sadovsky Jeweler.
Sammartino................................. 546 Diamonds by Sammartino Sisters, Inc.
Sammor..................................... 349 Sammor.
Samuel..................................... 612 Samuel Jewels, Inc.
San Diego.................................. 132 Manufacturing Jewelers of San Diego.
Sandberg................................... 228 Sandberg & Sikorski.
Sandberg................................... 411 Sandberg & Sikorski Corporation.
Sawyer..................................... 23 George Sawyer Design.
Saxon...................................... 626 Saxon.
Schalla.................................... 209 Schalla Jeweler.
Schechter.................................. 451 Honora Industries, Inc.
Scheherazade............................... 427 Scheherazade.
Schmidt.................................... 251 R.J. Schmidt.
Schmitt.................................... 142 Adam Schmitt.
Schoenke................................... 300 Platinum Jewelers.
Schoenke................................... 604 Platinum Jewelers.
Schwanke................................... 64 Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers.
Schwartz................................... 709 Charles Schwartz.
Schwarzschild.............................. 764 Schwarzschild Jewelers.
Servis..................................... 16 Servis and Taylor Jewellers.
Servis..................................... 282 Servis & Taylor Jewellers.
Servis..................................... 326 Servis & Taylor Jewellers.
Sheftall................................... 140 The Sheftall Co..
Shelton.................................... 518 Shelton Jewelers, Ltd.
Shersher................................... 374 Casting Platina Services.
Shersher................................... 1 Casting Platina Services.
Shiboski................................... 598 Shiboski.
Siegel..................................... 315 Siegel Jewelers.
SIGI....................................... 454 SIGI Design.
Signatures................................. 321 Signatures.
Silver..................................... 276 Michael Jewelers.
Silver House............................... 330 Silver House & Co. International, Inc.
Silvergate................................. 794 Silvergate Farms.
Sipe....................................... 21 J.C. Sipe Jewelers.
Sipe....................................... 20 J.C. Sipe Jewelers.
Sipe....................................... 19 J.C. Sipe Jewelers.
Sissy's.................................... 559 Sissy's Log Cabin.
Sites...................................... 434 Sites Jewelers.
Skipped.................................... 540 Skipped number.
Skomaroske................................. 575 JoAnn Skomaroske.
Smith...................................... 762 Winston Studio & Imports.
Smith & Bevill............................. 324 Smith & Bevill Jewelers, Inc.
Smith...................................... 42 Robert Smith Jeweler, Inc.
Smyth...................................... 111 Albert S. Smyth Company, Inc.
Snyder..................................... 773 Snyder Jewelers.
Snyder..................................... 86 Wixon Jewelers.
Solomons................................... 405 Solomons Jewelers.
Solover.................................... 367 Solover Jewelers Inc.
Sordo...................................... 447 Olivia Sordo.
Southeast Gem.............................. 745 Southeast Gemological Laboratory.
Spirer-Somes............................... 15 Spirer-Somes Jewelers.
Spirit..................................... 655 Spirit of the Earth.
Spreckman.................................. 105 Hy Spreckman & Sons, Inc.
St. Clair.................................. 202 St. Clair Jewelers.
Stadheim's................................. 426 Stadheim's.
Stanley.................................... 239 Stanley Jewelers Gemologist, Inc.
Starfire................................... 488 Starfire Gems.
Stepan-Hill................................ 740 Stepan-Hill Jewelry Designers.
Steven's................................... 345 Harold Steven's Jewelers, Inc.
Stuller.................................... 630 Stuller.
[[Page 16686]]
Sturgill................................... 67 P.R. Sturgill.
Sturhan.................................... 278 Sturhan Jewelers.
Sullivan................................... 703 Artcarved Bridal Jewelry.
Suna....................................... 801 Suna Bros., Inc.
Sunburst................................... 704 Sunburst Jewelers.
Suncoast................................... 803 Suncoast Gem.
Sunshine................................... 783 Shrarlol Sunshine.
Sutter's................................... 420 Sutter's.
Swanson.................................... 684 Swanson Jewelers, Inc.
Sweet...................................... 172 Howard H. Sweet & Son.
Symmetry................................... 254 Symmetry Jewelers.
Tallmon's.................................. 258 Tallmon's Diamondland.
Talner..................................... 448 Leonard Talner Jewelers, Inc.
Tanner..................................... 192 O.C. Tanner.
Tavernier.................................. 781 Tavernier Enterprises.
Taylor..................................... 2 Grady G. Taylor Jewelry, Inc.
Terry...................................... 279 Terry & Bess.
Thomas Joseph.............................. 320 Thomas Joseph & Sons.
Tiffany.................................... 761 Tiffany & Co.
Tiga....................................... 66 Tiga, Inc.
TIGA....................................... 412 TIGA Inc.
Toback..................................... 645 Myron Toback, Inc.
Toby's..................................... 648 Toby's Gems & Treasures.
Toenniges.................................. 190 Toenniges Jewelers, Inc.
Tompkins................................... 346 Tompkins, Inc.
Towne...................................... 284 Towne Jewelers.
TQ......................................... 400 TQ Diamonds.
Traditional................................ 526 Traditional Jewelers.
Tripp...................................... 138 Tripp Jewelry & Sculpture.
Tripton.................................... 368 Tripton Fine Jewelry, Inc.
Turgeon.................................... 609 Turgeon Raine Jewellers, Inc.
Turi....................................... 446 Charles Turi Jewelry Co.
Tyrony..................................... 356 Tyrony Jewelers.
Underwood's................................ 244 Underwood's Fine Jewelers.
Underwood's................................ 477 Underwood's Fine Jewelers.
Unique..................................... 227 Unique Designs.
Unsigned................................... 402 Unsigned Letter.
Upton...................................... 432 Bill Upton.
Urban...................................... 574 Urban Jewelers.
Valente.................................... 771 Valente Jewelers.
Ventro..................................... 625 Donaldo & Heidi Ventro.
Village Goldsmith.......................... 804 The Village Goldsmith, Inc.
Village.................................... 520 Village Coin Shop, Inc.
Vincent.................................... 389 S. Vincent Jeweler, Inc.
Vista's.................................... 53 Vista's Fine Jewelry.
Vulcan's................................... 265 Vulcan's Forge.
Wachler.................................... 7 David Wachler & Sons Jewellers.
Wachler.................................... 363 David Wachler & Sons Jewellers.
Wachler.................................... 8 David Wachler & Sons Jewellers.
Walters.................................... 410 Walters & Hogsett.
Walzel..................................... 200 Cherryll Walzel Collections.
Ward....................................... 685 Krinkle Horn.
Warner..................................... 522 Warner Co. Jewelers.
Watkins.................................... 628 John Watkins.
Watkins.................................... 616 John Watkins.
Wayne...................................... 688 Wayne Jewelers & Silversmiths, Inc.
Wayne...................................... 76 Wayne Jewelers & Silversmiths, Inc.
Westphal................................... 331 Westphal Jewelers.
White...................................... 351 Jeffrey H. White.
Whitney Boin............................... 744 Whitney Boin Studio.
Whitney.................................... 748 The Whitney Way.
Williams................................... 187 Williams Jewelers.
Williams................................... 77 Williams Distinctive Gems.
Willowdale................................. 242 Willowdale Studio.
Wilson..................................... 304 Wilson Fine Jewelers.
Wilson..................................... 570 Michael Wilson.
Wilson..................................... 225 Wilson Diamonds.
Wimberly................................... 318 Wimberly Jewelers.
Winc....................................... 662 Winc Creations.
Winward.................................... 261 Winward Corporation.
Wolls...................................... 507 Fran Wolls.
Worthington................................ 503 Will Worthington Jewelers.
[[Page 16687]]
Wright..................................... 259 Wright & Lato, Inc.
Wright's................................... 69 Wright's Jewelers.
Wyman...................................... 358 Wyman Jewelers, Inc.
Yanke...................................... 717 Yanke Designs.
York....................................... 756 Christine York.
Zane....................................... 542 Zane Design.
Zerbe...................................... 293 Zerbe Jewelers Inc.
Zimmer..................................... 230 Zimmer Brothers.
Zoltan..................................... 134 Zoltan David.
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[FR Doc. 97-8942 Filed 4-7-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-P