Articles and News
Brand and Retail News From MJ Christensen, Alpina, KWM Exclusives, Stuller, More July 10, 2013 (0 comments)
MJ Christensen Renews Support For Diamond Charities
Las Vegas, NV—Jeweler MJ Christensen has renewed its support for Diamond Development Initiative International, among its multiple efforts to raise both awareness and funds to benefit African communities where diamonds are mined and jewelry is made.
Founded in 1939 on the principles of ethics, values and 'doing the right thing', MJ Christensen takes pride in continuing to protect these principles as it serves its constituents.
"As a company that cares about our customers, as well as those who mine the raw resources used in jewelry, we continually look to where we can make a difference," says Jennifer Miller, director of marketing. "Continuing our partnership with DDI and supporting the work they do, guarantees we will help make a positive impact on the lives of artisanal diamond miners."
There are 1.5 million artisanal diamond miners in Africa and South America. The Diamond Development Initiative International (DDI) works to ensure that diamonds become an engine for change for these subsistence miners.
"MJ Christensen is an amazing Friend," says Dorothée Gizenga, executive director of DDI.
The jeweler also is a supporter of the Diamond Empowerment Fund and BeadForLife, an organization that teaches Ugandan women to make and sell jewelry so they can support their families.
Separately, DDI announced that Boulder, CO-based jewelry designer Todd Reed also renewed his support at the Millennium Star level.
"DDI is an organization that makes a critical difference in the lives of millions of artisanal diamond miners across Africa and South America. I'm proud to continue my support," said the designer.
Alpina Introduces 300 Extreme Diver 300 Orange
Geneva, Switzerland— For a professional diver, good visibility isn’t just mildly important; it can be lifesaving. Being able to see the time spent underwater or the number of minutes of air supply still available to a diver in deep or murky waters is essential.
The color orange is the most visible color in all types of water, making it outstanding in dial and bezel visibility for divers. With this in mind, Alpina introduces the new Alpina Extreme Diver Orange range (pictured at top of page), featuring one automatic and one mid-size, quartz caliber model.
The Extreme Diver 300 Orange is water resistant to 300m (1000 feet). It has a screw-in crown and a screw-down case back, as well as a jet black polished unidirectional rotating 60min diving bezel with luminous markers Both models have an anti-reflective treated sapphire crystal.
Other shared features include a black dial and white luminous indexes. The bright white minute hand is bordered with luminous orange, and the second hand has the signature Alpina triangle, also in orange, at the base. A large three-day date display is situated at the 3 o’clock position.
The AL-525 Automatic version in 44mm comes with a 38-hour power reserve. It has a see-through case back revealing the AL-525 automatic movement. It offers a choice of diver’s rubber, metal, or metal mesh straps with securely folding clasp. The Extreme Diver 300 Automatic comes in a specially designed gift box, uniquely shaped as a diving bottle, and containing an extra swimsuit nylon strap.
The AL-240 Midsize quartz model in 38mm comes with 45 months’ battery life. It has an engraved case-back with a diving theme and divers have the choice between rubber or metal straps.
KWM to Offer Nada G In USA
Miami, FL—Nada G, an award-winning Lebanese jewelry brand, has selected Wolfgang Möckel of Miami-based KWM Exclusives Inc. as the brand’s representative in the USA. He will officially be Nada G’s liaison with American retailers. This is the brand’s first major step in branching out to the US market.
Nada G works in 18k gold, adorned with precious and semi-precious stones, for a timeless yet edgy look. Nada G was awarded the ‘JCK’s Rising Star Las Vegas 2012’ award and also received the ‘Best Innovative Design Award’ for its bespoke ‘Fusion Ring’ in the 2012 Premier Middle East Watches, Jewelry & Pens Awards. Nada G’s flagship boutique is located in the Beirut Souks of the city’s downtown central district. It is also available at Sabbia in The Ritz Carlton in both Miami, FL and Chicago, IL’ as well as ECOne in London, and other top retailers.
Nada G “Mood Swings” bangles (left) and rings in 18k gold with or without diamonds or pearls.
Stuller Introduces “Create Bar” Custom Design Solution for Retail Jewelers
Lafayette, LA—Stuller Inc. announces the launch of the Create Bar, a turnkey custom design solution for the independent retail jeweler. It combines attributes of other Stuller services, such as prototypes, its CounterSketch Studio, and marketing.
Maren Rosen, Stuller executive director of bridal and jewelry, says, “Not only does it allow jewelers to brand themselves, but also creates that enhanced experience today’s customer is looking for when they walk into a jewelry store.”
After extensive market research, Stuller identified a common thread in consumer behavior: when shoppers were presented with interactive selling tools like prototypes or custom design programs, they responded positively, but still exhibited a desire for a more connected shopping experience. Stuller built a solution that marries low-cost inventory and an elevated customer experience through its digital tools, Stuller.com and CounterSketch Studio.
“Jewelers need a way to connect with today’s tech-savvy generation,” continues Rosen. “And the Create Bar presents them with the tools they need to obtain and develop a relationship with this market segment.”
The Create Bar comes equipped with the following:
- All furniture–design bar, barstools, LED lighting
- Personalized signage
- Jewelry prototypes and loose gemstones
- Tools–tweezers, polishing cloth, mandrel, ring gauge, loupe, etc.
- Hardware–computer, TV, iPad, keyboard, mouse and color printer
- Software–CounterSketch Studio, Stuller Showcase
- Marketing Support–Updated Stuller catalogs and consumer marketing materials
- In-store training, installation and technical support
For more information on the Create Bar, visit stuller.com/createbar.
Goldman Names New CMO
New York, NY—Frederick Goldman, Inc. announces the appointment of Michele Dowling Johnson as chief marketing officer. Dowling Johnson, who brings 20+ years’ experience, will provide strategic leadership and direction in marketing the company’s multi-channel branding initiatives and will provide the creative strategy to support the company’s continued growth and future success.
Prior to joining the firm, Dowling Johnson held various senior level positions in marketing, strategy, and global brand management at L’Oreal, Revlon, and King and Balducci's Food Markets.