Articles and News

Brand And Product News From De Beers, Scott Kay, Roberto Demeglio, Ed Levin, More March 16, 2016 (0 comments)

De Beers Launches Diamond Buyback Service

New York, NY—Now that the street is becoming as important to the diamond supply chain as the mines, De Beers wants a piece of the pie. On Wednesday, it formally launched the International Institute of Diamond Valuation (IIDV) in the United States after an 18-month pilot program. IIDV is a diamond jewelry reselling solution targeted to both retailers and consumers.

Consumers have the option of selling their jewelry directly to IIDV or selling it through a jeweler (currently only at Forevermark jewelers, but that may change in the future.)

To sell directly, consumers log onto the IIDV website and follow simple instructions for filling out the necessary forms, packing and shipping the jewelry, and receiving and accepting an offer and payment.

Alternatively, consumers who wish to work with a jeweler are directed to the nearest approved Forevermark jeweler by zip code or by state.

A release from De Beers says IIDV offers more accurate and attractive prices, as well as greater transparency in the reselling process, and that its jeweler option will enable retailers to offer customers a reselling service that complements their own activities.

The 18-month IIDV pilot program focused on refining the process to meet retailer and consumer needs more effectively 

Tom Montgomery, De Beers Group senior vice president of strategic initiatives, said that while the practice of consumers looking to sell back their diamonds isn’t new, De Beers believes consumers have been underserved by the industry in that area. 

“We want people to know that their diamonds have lasting value, and we will support this by seeking to offer them more attractive prices when they look to resell. Following the pilot program, we are now confident we can achieve this goal, supporting long-term diamond equity and enabling retailers to provide their customers with greater assurance about the enduring value of their diamond purchase.” Further details on the IIDV service can be found at www.iidv-trade.com for trade participants and at www.iidv.com for consumers.  

 

Scott Kay Introduces Proposal Pouch Ring Keeper

Teaneck, NJ—Planning to propose but don’t know where to hide the ring until that special moment? Scott Kay has introduced its own custom branded solution: the Proposal Pouch ring keeper.

“An engagement proposal is one of the most important moments in a person’s life,” said Kelly Kahn, director of brand management. As a brand, we understand the meaning behind this special moment and want to make it easier on our consumers. Boxes can be bulky and if you are choosing an exotic or unique location to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage, or are hiding the ring in a tight or small space, it can cause a dilemma.” The Scott Kay Proposal Pouch ring keeper is meant to keep the ring safe and protected, allowing customers to enjoy every second of the occasion instead of stressing about losing the ring, she said.

The Scott Kay Proposal Pouch ring keeper is a small subtly branded microfiber pouch in the Scott Kay signature purple hue. It is included with the brand’s newly re-designed ring box unveiled earlier this year. To discover more about the brand, click here.

 

Roberto Demeglio Introduces Pura Slim Lucè

New York, NY—Pura Slim Lucè is a new addition to the Pura Collection from designer Roberto Demeglio.  Pura Slim Lucè black and white ceramic bracelets and rings come with a matte or shiny finish, in a slightly thinner design than the traditional Pura collection, and feature horizontal or vertical lines of white, black, or champagne diamonds. The collection is priced to be more affordable and designed to stack.

 

Ed Levin Names Steve Fredkove Key Account Manager

Cambridge, NY—Ed Levin Jewelry announces the appointment of Steve Fredkove to Midwest key account manager. Fredkove has more than 20 years’ experience in the fashion and luxury jewelry industry.

Ed Levin vice president Jim Grohn said, “ We are thrilled to have Steve as part of our team. He brings a unique expertise to Ed Levin, combining experience wholesale and retail branding. Steve’s knowledge and relationships with the retail jewelers will play an essential role in Ed Levin’s business strategy in the Midwest.”

 

W.R. Cobb Company and JA Extend Member Benefit Agreement

East Providence, RI—The W. R. Cobb Company has extended its agreement with Jewelers of America (JA) to offer JA members and exclusive savings and package option for its premier WR Cobb Online web e-commerce platform.

The WR Cobb Online e-commerce platform features customizable components and product selections with advanced technology. The responsive design of the platform assures retailers that customers’ user experience aligns with optimal viewing and favorable interaction on the site.

Some of the platform features include:

• Customizable Colors and Layouts
• Shopping Cart Functionality
• Merchant Accounts
• Customizable Content
• Email Capture and Newsletter Functionality
• Sub Navigation for Member Specific Products
• Design Your Own Ring
• 3D Rotational Videos

The platform can be implemented as a standalone website or integrated into an existing site; the WR Cobb Online sales and support team provides any assistance needed during the implementation and/or maintenance process.  

 

Luxury Brand Ferragamo Uses Microchips To Fight Fakes

Milan, Italy—Knockoffs are the scourge of the luxury market, and one company is embracing technology to protect its products. Salvatore Ferragamo, the Italian luxury leather goods company, will soon start embedding microchips into the linings of its shoes and handbags, according to a report on wgsn.com.

The chips, which can be read only up close to allay fears of personal tracking, will verify the authenticity of the product, reassuring the customer at purchase and also protect its resale value—something that is increasingly growing in importance for luxury goods.

While implanting a microchip in many kinds of jewelry presents a challenge, it could be a potential option for watch companies.

Read more here.

 

Alpina Watches Named Official Watch Of The 2016 Sport Chek Canadian Championships

Calgary, AB—Alpina Watches has been named the official watch of the 2016 Sport Chek Canadian Championships, a culmination of celebration for the ski season and an opportunity for Canada's next generation of ski racers to shine. 

Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) CEO Mark Rubinstein said, "In a sport where time measures ultimate success, Alpine Canada is delighted to welcome Alpina Watches to the ACA family. Recognized within the international ski racing world as a leading sport and timepiece brand, Alpina will be worn proudly by ACA Athletes as they step onto the podium."

Alpina Watches will profile the brand throughout the event, from strategic onsite event visibility to one-to-one targeted consumer engagement. Competing athletes will also have the chance to win Alpina Watches, based on their performances during the races.

The 2016 Sport Chek Canadian Championships kick off on March 22 and run through March 29 at Whistler Blackcomb Mountain.