For Immediate Release


November 10, 2008                                                             MEDIA CONTACT:

                                                                                                Caroline Witherspoon or

                                                                                                Maria McGregor

                                                                                                Becker Communications

                                                                                                (808) 533-4165

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAUI DIVERS JEWELRY NAMED “RETAIL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR”

AND RECEIVES TOP JEWELRY DESIGN AWARDS

HONOLULU – Maui Divers Jewelry goes for the gold and earns a place at the top! The company was recently named “Retail Business of the Year” for the state of Hawai’i in the Retail Merchant Association of Hawai’i’s Ho’okela Awards. The company also received five design awards from the Hawaii Jewelers Association’s Design Competition.

The Ho‘okela (Retailer of the Year) Awards recognize Hawai’i’s outstanding retailers and retail employees. To receive such acclaim in an industry so vital to Hawai’i’s economy is a tremendous accomplishment. Among the finalists for the state of Hawai’i were Maui Divers Jewelry, Goodwill Industries of Hawai’i, and Macy’s Hawai’i.

The Hawai’i Jewelers Association named Maui Divers Jewelry Designer Michael Van Ly “Designer of The Year” in its annual Design Competition based on:

·       First place in the Hawaiian Theme Category for his Kane Paddler pendant, a 14-karat gold, diamond accented piece inspired by renowned hula photographer Kim Taylor Reece

·       Second place in the Under $3,500 Category for his Anthurium Bouquet, a 14-karat yellow and white gold, diamond accented brooch

·       Third place in the Over $3,500 Category for his Golden Tornado, a 14-karat yellow and white gold pendant accented with diamonds and a golden south sea pearl

Ly has worked with Maui Divers’ Design Team for over three years and has been in the industry for over 23 years. His incredible talent has earned him "Designer of The Year" status for two years in a row.

Additionally, Maui Divers Jewelry Designer John Nguyen received the distinctive “People’s Choice Award” for his Hawaiian Sea Life pendant in the Hawai’i Jewelers Association Design Competition’s Hawaiian Theme Category. This 14-karat white gold pendant is set with diamonds and a white south sea pearl capturing a Hawaiian underwater scene complete with sea life and a blue enameled ocean.

Nguyen is a new addition to the Maui Divers Design Team, however he has worked in the industry for over 19years specializing in Hawaiian heirloom jewelry.  

The Retail Merchant Association of Hawai’i is committed to the growth and development of the retail industry of Hawai’i. For more information, visit www.rmhawaii.org.

The Hawai’i Jewelers Association (HJA) is a state affiliate of Jewelers of America (JA), which serves as the retail jewelry industry’s primary trade and professional association. Established in 1948, HJA is a center of knowledge for jewelers and advocates high ethical and professional practices for the jewelry industry. Contest winners are entitled to enter the prestigious national JA awards held annually.

Founded in 1959, Maui Divers Jewelry is the largest jewelry manufacturer and retailer in Hawai’i.  Renowned for its unique, high-quality handcrafted designs featuring pearls, precious corals, Hawaiian gold, diamonds and other beautiful gemstones, the company owns and operates stores on the four major Hawaiian Islands, and in California and Guam. For more information on Maui Divers Jewelry, call toll free (800) 253-6016, direct at (808) 946-7979 or visit www.mauidivers.com.

 

Media Contact:
Caroline Witherspoon
Becker Communications, Inc.
(808) 533-4165


MAUI DIVERS JEWELRY TO MAKE A SPLASH
WITH NEW LINE OF WYLAND JEWELRY

**Hawaii’s Largest Jewelry Retailer and Manufacturer Signs
Agreement to Manufacture and Market Exclusive Wyland Designs**

HONOLULU, HAWAII Hawaii’s largest jewelry retailer and manufacturer, Maui Divers Jewelry, has entered into an agreement with renowned marine life artist Wyland to manufacture and market an exclusive line of jewelry. The new line will be unveiled at the JCK Jewelry Show in Las Vegas in June 2007.

 

Featuring Wyland’s incredible marine life designs, the new line will include reef fish, whales, dolphins and turtles in 14-karat gold charms, pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces. Some pieces will also feature pearls and diamond accents.

 

“Maui Divers Jewelry is thrilled to be partnering with the best-known marine life artist in the world to bring his creations to life through unique high-quality hand-crafted jewelry,” said President & CEO Bob Taylor. The Wyland line of jewelry will be available in Maui Divers Jewelry retail stores by July 1, 2007.

 

“I couldn’t think of a better partner to help raise the profile of endangered marine mammals than Maui Divers Jewelry,” said Wyland. “In addition to their reputation for a quality product, they have an incredible reach not only through their retails stores but also via the Internet.”

 

Established in 1959, Maui Divers owns and operates 61 concept locations - Maui Divers Jewelry, Island Pearls, Pick-A-Pearl - on all major Hawaiian Islands. Maui Divers Jewelry also has store-within-a-store concessions in 10 Hilo Hattie stores throughout Hawaii and on the U.S. Mainland, and one Maui Divers Jewelry store in San Francisco. For more information, call toll free (800) 253-6016 or visit www.mauidivers.com