Articles and News
Industry News: New Publication From InStyle Jewelry Team; Revised Website Focuses On Remounts; More October 27, 2015 (0 comments)
Marion Fasel, Lisa Jordan Helms Depart InStyle Mag For New Venture
New York, NY—Marion Fasel (left), the longtime author and editor whose expert voice built the fine jewelry coverage of in InStyle magazine to fame, is striking out on her own. Fasel is launching an online-only publication and advisory services firm for the fine jewelry industry. Its name, The Adventurine, is both a play on the green gemstone of the same name, and the word adventure, which is how Fasel views watches and jewelry.
Joining her is Lisa Jordan Helms, who served as associate publisher of both InStyle and Vogue magazines, and who worked alongside Fasel to build InStyle to a number-one market position.
According to an article in National Jeweler, the new publication will bow next fall with content covering both historical and modern jewelry, as well as interviews, product news and trends. Fasel will serve as editorial director and Helms as senior vice president of business development and client services.
Lisa Jordan Helms
Gemvara 2.0: Sequel Focuses On Custom Remounts Online
New York, NY—Gemvara, the jewelry e-tailer that was founded by 22-year-old wunderkind Matt Lauzon in 2010 and flailing by 2013 after his departure, is back with new management and a new focus: remounts.
Remount events are de rigueur for jewelers, but it’s the first time a website has been devoted to the category. Dubbed “Sequel,” the name refers to the new life of both Gemvara and its customers’ gems.
According to an article in Inc. magazine (which had named Lauzon among its annual “30 Under 30” list in 2011), Gemvara’s new CEO Matt Nichols and president Jon Blotner—with Google and Bain & Co. pedigrees, respectively—are actively opening up new lines of business. They got the idea for Sequel late last year when they noticed requests from customers who, rather than designing a new piece of jewelry online from Gemvara’s inventory of stones, wanted the company to help them re-use stones they already had.
Customers begin by requesting a prepaid, insured shipping kit to send their stone to Gemvara’s jewelers, who assess it, then provide a selection of settings (browse-able beforehand as well), and return the finished piece within two to three weeks.
So far the site has gotten some rave reviews, including a testimonial from Vogue’s Brie Zabierek, who said, “I work with jewelry, so I had such exacting standards going into the process, but I am so happy with my new ring—something I will wear forever.”
The Centurion took a quick tour to see some of the setting choices. We chose options for an 8 mm oval diamond. Most suggested settings that came up were under $1,500, with many under $1,000 and predominantly 14k gold with a smattering of 18k choices. Click here to see the site.
Jewelers for Children Names Stuart Lee and Dennis Ulrich As Honorees for 2016 Facets of Hope Dinner
New York, NY—Jewelers for Children will hold their its annual Facets of Hope dinner on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Stuart Lee of Signet Jewelers and Dennis Ulrich of the Richline Group, who also serves as JFC Chairman, have been named as honorees.
The event celebrates the success of JFC's fundraising efforts for the year, and commitments to its charity partners will be announced. In 2015, more than 1,850 industry guests attended during the Las Vegas market events. Both Lee and Ulrich have agreed to serve as guests of honor at the event with the responsibility of assisting JFC in raising funds to benefit children who are the victims of catastrophic illness or life-threatening abuse and neglect.
Dennis Ulrich of Richline, left, and Stuart Lee of Signet Jewelers
“It’s very exciting to be named as an honoree while serving as board chair, said Dennis Ulrich, JFC chairman. "Being selected with someone as deserving as Stuart is a true honor, and I’m certain the evening will be memorable.”
Anyone interested in attending or sponsoring should contact JFC at (212) 687-2949 or info@jewelersforchildren.org. Details and participation forms are available at the JFC website.
Laurence Graff Biography Goes On Sale
New York, NY—One of the world’s most illustrious dealers in magnificent diamonds and jewels got his start not as a scion of the family diamond business, but by scrubbing the floors in someone else’s diamond shop in London’s Hatton Garden jewelry district.
Graff: The Story Behind The Diamonds, a new book from fashion-centric publisher Rizzoli, details the humble origins of Laurence Graff, the self-made grandson of a kosher butcher who, in addition to scrubbing floors, also dealt in comic books before acquiring and re-selling his first diamond at age 22.
Graff, a self-taught gemologist, possesses an uncanny sixth sense about diamonds, as well as decisive nerves of steel. The book details how he used these gifts to create a house known internationally as the luxury purveyor of one-of-a-kind statement pieces, and some of the most famous diamonds in the world.
Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to FACET, Graff’s charitable foundation. Read more about Laurence Graff here.
Graff is available from Rizzoli and Graff stores and online here for $95. (Please allow up to 5 days for delivery to addresses in the UK and Europe.) For shipping to other designers or to order more than one copy, email graffbook@graffdiamonds.com.