Articles and News
BRAND AND RETAIL NEWS: LEVINSON JEWELERS PUTS ON THE HEAT, YVEL NEWS, SUNA’S SOCIAL NETWORK, MORE April 10, 2013 (0 comments)
Yvel Expands North American Team, Adds New Gold Collection
New York, NY—Award-winning Israeli brand Yvel will debut three new collections and introduce new team members during the BaselWorld fair, April 25-May 2 in Basel, Switzerland. The new collections include the “Satin Sea” (earrings shown left) and “Rough Elegance” pearl collections, and a versatile, contemporary new gold line. New pieces will be added to the existing “Pastel” pearl and “Rainbow” sapphire lines.
The new gold collection features 18k gold with hand crafted satin finish. The line includes gold chains with or without precious stones or pearls, in varying sizes, shapes, and designs of gold links, with gram weights for attractive price points. Also featured are organic shape earrings, new styles of bracelets, and a series of neck chains with versatile clasps and removable drop pendants.
The “Satin Sea” collection combines warmer shades of South Sea pearls with satin finish gold. The emphasis on gold accents rather than diamonds creates pieces that are wearable every day.
The “Rough Elegance” rough diamond and pearl collection includes long necklaces, matching earrings, and stackable bracelets with small freshwater, South Sea, and Keshi pearls on 18k gold station chains with petite, color-coordinated rough diamonds. These stackable chains and bracelets create fashion-forward layered looks for add-on sales at retail.
Yvel also announces its new North American team. Nir Shinuk, Elad Stav, and David Mitnick will join Dani Chorost and Duvall O’Steen to expand the brand presence in the US market. Sonya Giambattista joined the firm in 2012, representing and enhancing the brand in Canada.
Shinuk joins the US team as vice president of marketing and sales. Based in Florida, he will have the line in the United States on a more permanent basis, creating greater efficiency for daily merchandising and marketing needs. Stav joins as the new sales manager for the Midwest and South Central areas of the United States. Mitnick joins as business development manager.
Yvel also introduces new branded displays. The newly created display system features an innovative concept for showcasing merchandise at point-of-sale.
Visit the Yvel booth #G20 in Hall 2.2 at BaselWorld or contact Yvel’s US team at (212) 755-0688. Learn more at www.yvel.com.
Levinson Jewelers “Heats” Up
Ft. Lauderdale, FL—Mark and Robin Levinson, owners of Levinson Jewelers, recently made news in their hometown as VIP guests at a birthday party for basketball player Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat. The jewelers also were one of the sponsors of the Reid & Fiorentino Celebrity Golf Classic, presented by SHARP business systems. The event was held March 7 at Turnberry Isle Miami. The Levinsons are pictured here with Pat Riley (right) and Miami Heat’s Chris “Birdman” Andersen (left) at the post-tournament awards reception.
Above left, Mark and Robin Levinson with Miami Heat star Chris "Birdman" Andersen; at right, Mark Levinson with the Heat's Pat Riley. Below, Robin Levinson with Heat star Chris Bosh at his birthday party.
Suna Goes Social
New York, NY—Suna Bros. announces the launch of its new Facebook page. Daily posts feature everything from the company’s latest designs, newest gems, timeless classics, and even industry news. If retailers share Suna posts on their own page, their customers also will be able to view the firm’s collection.
Jewelers’ Mutual Reports Double-Digit Growth In Consumer Insurance Program
Neenah, WI—Enrollment in the Jewelers’ Mutual Insurance Co. Customer Advantage Program grew 22% year over year, reports the company. The program is tied to its Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance, which allows individual consumers to insure their jewelry directly through Jewelers Mutual, rather than as part of a homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
According to an article in National Jeweler, jewelers can make customers aware of the Perfect Circle personal jewelry insurance program at the point of sale, but are not agents of Jewelers Mutual and cannot sell or recommend insurance. The Customer Advantage program offers an added incentive, with the retailer paying for the first year of coverage when the consumer agrees to purchase a Perfect Circle policy. For more information, contact Jewelers Mutual directly, (800) 558-6411; ext. 2118.
Frédérique Constant Appoints Charity Ambassador; Supports Heart Health
Geneva, Switzerland—Frédérique Constant has announced that world-renowned model and actress Inès Sastre will be the brand’s female charity ambassador for the next two years. In particular, Sastre (shown below in an ad) will play a major role in Frédérique Constant’s support of the World Heart Federation.
Involved in heart-related charities since 2009, Frédérique Constant is honored to be supporting the “Hearts of Children” campaign. The manufacturer will launch a women’s “World Heart Federation” collection of watches, in addition to the US $50,000 donated to the cause during World Heart Day in September 2012.
100 watches will be produced and donated to the World Heart Federation member organizations to support their actions aimed at preventing cardiovascular diseases in women and children around the world.
Jeweler Todd Reed Teams With Local Ceramic Artist For Gallery Display
Boulder, CO—Jewelry designer Todd Reed has teamed up with a Boulder-based ceramic artist, Caroline Douglas, to create a new window display for his eponymous boutique here.
The two designers have been friends for years but this is the firs time they’ve collaborated on a project. The new window is set to be unveiled April 15.
Dog Days For Designer Slane
New York, NY—Slane, the bicoastal sister duo best known for their high-fashion silver jewelry, also may soon be renowned for the diversity of their workplace. Most jewelry companies try to hire people with at least a little jewelry experience, but at Slane, that isn’t a requirement for every position. In fact, being human isn’t necessarily a requirement for employment, either: part of the Slane team—and possibly its new brand face—is Gigi, a sleek black Great Dane (below) belonging to assistant Maki Metzger. Mandy Schoch, a pet photographer and close friend of Slane and Metzger, shot an image of the dog, draped in layers of Slane silver.
Gigi’s rescue and her possible new role at the jewelry firm were recently profiled by JCKOnline.com.
Gigi photo: Mandy Schoch Photography, Los Angeles, CA
Belle Etoile Introduces Spring GWP Program
Emeryville, CA—Belle Étoile announces a gift with purchase (GWP) promotion designed to increase sell-through and drive consumer traffic for its retailers for the spring season. The promotion, which begins April 15, invites customers to “shine like the stars” with a free gift of a limited edition Belle Étoile Star Catcher pendant, with each purchase of $300 or more of Belle Étoile jewelry.
A $175 retail value, the pendant features swirls of hand finished, rhodium plated sterling silver surrounding a trove of sparkling jewels on rich silver satin cord.
Participating retailers are featured on a special landing page on Belle Étoile’s website. In addition, the program includes a designer pouch and box for each gift, printed takeaways and direct mailers, post-ready Facebook graphics, website banner graphics, email blast templates, and print-ready ad slicks and in-store graphics. To participate, retailers should contact Belle Étoile at (415) 626-9223; email sales@belleetoilejewelry.com.