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Industry News: Nina Garcia To Promote Platinum; Shane O’Neill Named VP of Fruchtman Marketing; More October 16, 2013 (0 comments)
PGI Partners With Style Expert Nina Garcia To Promote Platinum Jewelry
New York, NY—Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) announces a new partnership with Nina Garcia, style expert and Marie Claire creative director and Project Runway judge, for the fourth quarter of 2013. Garcia will show the platinum pieces that speak to her in both the fashion and bridal realms.
Garcia will illustrate the timeless nature of platinum through handpicked jewelry from various designers. A special Nina Garcia-curated gallery of platinum jewelry will live on The Knot website showcasing bridal and fashion pieces. Garcia will also use her style expertise to share the latest trends in platinum jewelry and fashion design on red carpets, at Fashion Week and in everyday life.
“As an authority in the world of style, Ms. Garcia can speak to platinum’s versatility by sourcing some of the most creative, fashionable and truly design-forward pieces of jewelry,” says PGI USA president Huw Daniel. “Her resume speaks for itself, and we look forward to collaborating with a tastemaker who can connect the dots to create complete looks accessorized with platinum, be it bridal or everyday fashion jewelry.”
“I am very excited to engage in a partnership with Platinum Guild International,” says Garcia. “Platinum jewelry is fresh yet timeless, and it’s so important to have those staple pieces of jewelry that will be with you forever. I am thrilled to share a sampling of my favorite pieces in fashion and bridal jewelry.”
To preview Garcia’s “Platinum Jewelry Must-Haves”, visit PGI USA’s special Pinterest page.
Shane O’Neill Promoted to VP of Fruchtman Marketing
Toledo, OH—Shame O’Neill (top of page) has been promoted to vice president of Fruchtman Marketing, a full-service marketing communications agency specializing in jewelry marketing. In his new role, O’Neill will supervise Fruchtman Marketing’s digital and social marketing efforts, manage all creative aspects of the company’s services, spearhead new business acquisition, and provide strategic planning with emphasis on agency growth.
“Fruchtman Marketing has long been a leader and innovator in jewelry industry marketing,” O’Neill said. “As we continue to expand our services to the national brands, manufacturers and independent retailers; I'm excited to contribute to an exciting time in our history.”
Prior to his appointment, O’Neill served first as an art director, then director of social media, and most recently as director of digital and creative services. He brings more than 18 years’ experience in brand development, strategic marketing, interactive development and e-commerce initiatives. Prior to Fruchtman, O’Neill served as creative director for Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit , vision advertising and creative director for CI/Sarmiento Advertising and Design. He graduated from the Ohio University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in advertising and design.
Vicenzaoro 2014 Dates Announced
Vicenza, Italy—Fiera di Vicenza, producers of the VICENZAORO shows, has announced the dates for its 2014 jewelry events. The three editions of VICENZAORO will each offer specific content with a different focus in terms of demand, covering all the alternatives of the product range, information on trends, and technological innovations. VICENZAORO Winter will be January 18-23, VICENZAORO Spring will be May 10-13, and VICENZAORO Fall will be September 6-10.
T-GOLD, the exhibition dedicated to technological innovation, also will be held at the winter and spring fairs. Click here for information.
GIA Career Fair Attracts Hundreds In Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA—Nearly 500 hundred professionals at every career stage packed GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) 30-acre campus on October 11 for the industry’s preeminent recruiting experience. The event drew crowds for hiring opportunities, one-on-one career coaching, and an array of panel discussions with industry executives, entrepreneurs, and designers.
“There’s really no other event in the industry like this,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s newly appointed president and CEO. “GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair offers a singular view into the diverse career opportunities, personalities and professional aspirations in this industry. It’s also a great way to learn how the global gem and jewelry industry is evolving and growing.”
Susan Jacques, GIA's new president and CEO, moderates a panel during Career Fair.
The event began with “Job Success in Today’s Market,” a panel presentation moderated by Jacques. Panelists Lex Graham, retail jeweler at Betteridge Jewelers; Douglas Hucker, CEO of AGTA; and Dione D. Kenyon, president and CEO of the Jewelers Board of Trade, offered personal anecdotes and advice on how to succeed in the industry.
Later in the day, Erica Courtney, designer and president of Erica Courtney, Inc.; Alishan Halebian, designer and owner of Alishan; Charlie Herner, CAD/CAM director of Green Lake Jewelry Works; and Erik Stewart, owner of Erik Stewart Jewelry, joined moderator Victoria Gomelsky, editor-in-chief of JCK magazine, for a discussion on “Design to Finish.” The panel explored the exciting world of design and manufacturing, and provided insight into careers in these areas of the industry.
“Career Fair panelists are dynamic and fascinating professionals who have taken many different paths to get where they are today,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice-president, CMO and co-founder of the GIA Career Fair. “They demonstrate that ambition, creativity and a strong sense of ethics are what it takes to achieve your professional goals, and that there isn’t one formula to success.”
Ben Bridge Jeweler, Helzberg Diamonds, Jewelry Television, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, Tiffany & Co. and Zale Corporation were among the 27 companies recruiting for hundreds of positions from retail sales and jewelry design to diamond grading and production. Job seekers had the opportunity to interact directly with hiring managers and learn first-hand what kind of skills each company sought.
Also last week, GIA celebrated the opening of “More Is More,” an exhibit featuring the works of legendary jewelry designers Hutton Wilkinson and the late Tony Duquette. The exhibit, at the GIA Museum through March 31, 2014, attracted the attention of the mainstream press and even of top fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar, which featured one of the pieces in its October issue.