Articles and News
Brand And Industry News From Forevermark; Edward Mirell; Swatch Group; Beny Sofer; More July 17, 2013 (0 comments)
Forevermark Launches New Interactive Platform On Website
New York, NY—Forevermark has launched a new digital platform encouraging people all over the world to send promises to one another. The platform, called The Message, is available at www.forevermark.com/promise.
The Message, developed by London-based agency Lean Fighting Machine, allows consumers to leave a message for someone they love and geo-tag it to a real world location meaningful to the two of them. The message can only be read when the recipient arrives at the specified location.
The Message is available on Internet Explorer 8, 9, and 10, and Safari, Firefox, Chrome, iPhone, and Android. To learn more about how to use The Message, watch a video here.
Edward Mirell To Have Branded Hour on QVC
Deerfield Beach, FL—Edward Mirell, a leading designer and manufacturer of contemporary metal jewelry, will have a dedicated one-hour appearance on QVC, scheduled for July 22 at 1:00 a.m. Eastern time.
The collections to be showcased were created specifically for QVC, and will be called Mirell Titanium Jewelry Designs. They will feature a unique range of women’s jewelry, highlighting some of the many innovative materials and processes the Edward Mirell brand is known for.
“We are very excited about the partnership with QVC and the exposure it will bring to the Edward Mirell brand,” says Adam Rosenberg, director of business development, who will co-host the segment with QVC personality Jennifer Coffey.
“The items we will feature are unique to QVC and will showcase anodized [color] titanium and cable with accents in sterling silver and gemstones,” continued Rosenberg. “The looks are contemporary yet timeless and speak to the lifestyle of today’s woman. These collections are created in luxurious materials that are exceptionally durable yet subtle, lightweight, and hypo-allergenic.” Many of the pieces feature a play of rainbow color, he added.
Eichorn, JMI Staff Annoucments
San Jose, CA--Eichorn announces the addition of Thomas Fedele as a sales representative. Fedele, who has more than 30 years' experience in the industry, will carry the line in the TOLA territory.
Separately, Jewelers' Mutual announces the promotion of Joel Matthies to senior vice president of personal lines. In this new role, Matthies will oversee the division that insures more than 290,000 JMI policyholders throughout North America with its Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance.
Matthies, who joined JMI In 2005, previously served as chief information officer. His 20-plus year career has focused on developing, leading, and aligning technology solutions with business strategies. In 2010, under Matthies' guidance, Jewelers Mutual received the prestigious CIO 100 Award for IT innovation in delivering business solutions. Prior to JMI, he was with Schneider National, a leading provider of transportation, logistics and related services, and Ent Federal Credit Union in Colorado.
"Jewelers Mutual launched its personal jewelry insurance business in 1953, and its growth continues to accelerate. Joel Matthies is the right person to take the wheel," said Darwin Copeman, president and CEO. "Joel has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, foresight and consumer expertise as we upgraded our information technology systems. He has the vision to create new direct to consumer avenues, yet understands that our close relationships with jewelry store owners are crucial to helping protect their valued customers."
Matthies serves on the board of directors for the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT), and chairs its IT committee.
Jewelers Mutual is seeking skilled and experienced employees to fill a variety of roles within the company. For a full list of employment opportunities, visit JewelersMutual.com.
Beny Sofer Introduces New Ceramic Lines by Italian Designer Roberto Demeglio
New York, NY—Beny Sofer, the exclusive distributer of Italian designer Roberto Demeglio’s jewelry, is introducing two new variations to the designer's popular Domino Collection: a matte version and a less expensive line accented with precious and semi-precious stones, such as sapphire, rubies and tsavorite. Sofer has had terrific response to the Domino Collection and have opened up more than 100 stores across the country in the past year. For more information or a copy of our catalog, please call (800) 307-6337 or visit www.robertodemeglio.com.
Two bracelets from the Domino Collection by Roberto Demeglio, distributed by Beny Sofer.
Vianna Brasil Debuts $1.5 Million Tourmaline Necklace in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV--A certified 24.69 carat rare oval Paraiba tourmaline measuring 22 mm x 16 mm and worth approximately $1.5 million at retail was a show stopper at the Vianna Brasil booth at Luxury and JCK in June. The pendant/necklace was adorned with 8.71 carats of diamonds.
The fashion world craves color and colored emstones are the centerpiece of the Vianna Brasil collections, inspired by the art, history, music, and rich culture of Brazil. Each example is set in 18k gold, and uses unique combinations of color from native Brazilian gems, which are cut and faceted in Vianna Brasil's factory in Belo Horizonte.
Vianna Brasil's $1.5 million Paraiba tourmaline necklace and pendant.
Watch Companies Relieved As Swatch Ordered Not To Cut Parts Supplies
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland—In addition to its numerous watch lines, including luxury brands like Breguet, Blancpain, Harry Winston, and Longines, the Swatch Group also is the Swiss watch industry’s primary supplier of watch parts and movements—a business it would like to exit. Even rival suppliers like the Richemont Group depend on Swatch parts for their timepieces.
But the Swiss Federal Competition Commission has said “not yet.”
According to an article in National Jeweler, Swatch appealed to the authority to begin reducing supplies of “assortments,” the minuscule parts that go into making the various mechanisms of a watch. By using its parts, it argued, competitive brands were able to shift more money into marketing, while Swatch felt it was spending too much time and money on developing the parts, diverting funds from marketing its own brands.
But in this week’s ruling, the authority said the companies that rely on the Swatch-produced parts do not have enough alternative sources of supply. Swatch may gradually reduce its deliveries of finished movements—another 10% reduction is planned for 2014, says NJ—but not assortments just yet.
DCA Earns Re-Accreditation
Nashville, TN—The Diamond Council of America has been re-accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.
“Accreditation is a reliable indicator of the value and quality of distance education that an institution offers,” wrote DETC executive director Leah K. Matthews in a letter announcing the decision. “In receiving renewal of accreditation, DCA has demonstrated its commitment to educational standards and ethical business practices that assure quality, accountability, and improvement in higher education.” Reviews of DETC’s national accreditation occur every five years.
“Since our last review, we’ve created a new membership category, added courses to our curriculum, and moved to online delivery,” said Terry W. Chandler, DCA president and CEO. “We did much of this despite the epic economic downturn, and have now returned to robust growth as well.”
The DETC review process requires schools to submit a detailed self-evaluation report, have their courses evaluated by outside subject specialists, and undergo on-site inspection by a team that includes experts in education and business. To earn accreditation, the school must prove that it fully complies with exacting standards in many areas, including institutional mission, goals, and objectives; curriculum design, development, and delivery; educational support services; student achievement and satisfaction; qualifications of management, administrators, and faculty; ethical advertising and promotion; financial responsibility; and self-improvement.
One reviewer wrote, “DCA has done a great job putting together a course with measurable and realistic objectives that incorporate on the job training and professionalism as part of the curriculum.” And the examining committee chair’s report stated, “Course completion rates, positive assessments by corporate members and students provide evidence the institution is delivering on its stated learning outcomes and benefits.”
“We have now maintained our accredited status since 1984,” said Chandler. “This DETC approval represents another milestone for the Diamond Council, its members, and students. It has underscored what we’ve accomplished so far, and given us added confidence in our plans for the future.” For more information about DCA, call (615) 385-5301 or click here.
Tony Duquette-Hutton Wilkinson Jewelry to Go On Exhibit at GIA
Carlsbad, CA--More than 50 jewelry creations by Hollywood design legends Tony Duquette and Hutton Wilkinson make up the duos’ first-ever all-jewelry exhibit, “More is More: Tony Duquette - Hutton Wilkinson Jewelry,” which debuts Oct. 10 through March 2014 at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) headquarters. The acclaimed body of work, which will be on display through March 2014, embraces a wide variety of styles, periods, and palettes; often showcasing unusual gemstones paired with rare materials in whimsical designs.
Left: "Othello" brooch of ruby, diamond, South Sea cultured pearl and tourmaline blackamore “dressed figures” are a mix of modern and ancient designs. Right, "Dreams of Klimt" bracelet has square sugarloaf cut cabochons, tourmaline, and diamond.
“Duquette and Wilkinson’s jewelry make a show-stopping statement,” said Terri Ottaway, curator of the GIA Museum. “It is amazing to see the unusual gemstone choices they made, and astonishing to see how well these unconventional materials work together.”
Duquette—the only American to be honored with a one-man show at the Louvre in Paris—worked with business partner and design collaborator Wilkinson for more than 30 years prior to his death in 1999. Among the duo’s famous clients were the Duchess of Windsor, Doris Duke, Buddy Rogers, J. Paul Getty and Elizabeth Arden. Their bold and theatrical jewelry designs draw inspiration from their notable work as costume and set designers during the Golden Age of Hollywood. “If it’s not fabulous, it’s meaningless,” Wilkinson has said of their design aesthetic.
“They chose color for inspiration rather than searching for perfection in the gems,” Larry Larson, a gemology instructor at GIA, added. “They always seemed to go for strength rather than the merely pretty.”
“Floral Wreath” Necklace: The Duchess of Windsor-style necklace is made of citrine, tourmaline, and mabe pearl set in 18K gold. Following the1951 exhibit at the Louvre, the Duchess of Windsor commissioned Duquette to make a gold wreath of vines and flowers, which she often wore to evening events. Prior to the debut of this necklace, it was customary to wear only platinum after 5 p.m.
Wilkinson continues to create pieces for the “Tony Duquette Collection” using their favorite materials such as malachite, pearls, emerald and coral. Wilkinson describes these jewelry designs as bold, theatrical, extravagant, Byzantine and sometimes even barbaric.
Pieces exhibited are on loan from personal collectors and The Anthony and Elizabeth Duquette Foundation for the Living Arts. “More is More: Tony Duquette - Hutton Wilkinson Jewelry” For more details, visit GIA’s website or call 800-421-7250.