Articles and News

BRAND NEWS: FOREVERMARK ADDS REPS, ANNOUNCES RETAILERS; FURRER-JACOT TEES OFF, CELEBRITIES, MORE August 31, 2011 (0 comments)

Forevermark Adds Three to Sales Team, Names U.S. Retailers

New York , NY—Forevermark, the diamond brand from the De Beers group of companies, announces the addition of three new members of its sales team. Bruce Lake will be director of sales, western region. Lake’s background includes both retail management experience and territory sales with Hearts On Fire, David Yurman, and Rolex Watch. He brings a vast understanding of the U.S. retail landscape from operations to customer relationships. John Salvin will be regional sales manager in the northeast. His prior experience is as an inventory specialist, merchandiser, sales trainer, and area sales manager for Rolex Watch. Michael Rousso has been named regional sales manager, southeast. His  background in the diamond and jewelry industry includes sales, manufacturing, and merchandising with DTC diamantaires such as Lazare Kaplan International.

"We are extremely proud to add this depth of experience and professionalism to the Forevermark team as we prepare for our U.S. launch," says Kevin Lane, vice president of sales.

Having launched internationally in 2009, Forevermark officially launches into the U.S. consumer marketplace this fall. Forevermark Diamantaire partners include Dali Diamond/A. Link, Diarough NV/Emby International, Eurostar Diamonds International SA, Julius Klein Diamond LLC, Leo Schachter Diamonds Ltd., Pluczenik Diamond Company, Premier Gem, Rosy Blue PVT. Ltd., Trau Bros NV, HRA Crossworks, and Venus Jewel. Forevermark diamonds will be available in select prestige independent jewelers nationwide; at press time, more than 54 stores were slated to become Forevermark retailers. Click here to see the most up-to-date list.

 

JMI Says Update Your Inventory Valuation

 Neenah, WI—As reported in the August 11 edition of The Centurion Newsletter, Jewelers Mutual Insurance again reminds jewelers and consumers to update their jewelry valuations in light of rising gold and diamond prices, to be adequately insured. JM suggests jewelers don’t wait for their annual re-evaluation period, and that JM personal policyholders take pieces to a qualified jeweler for re-appraisal as soon as possible. Retailers can use the reminder as a means to bring customers in, as exemplified by this Facebook post, below, from Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers, Los Angeles, CA.

 

Alex Soldier, Brumani Make News

New York, NY—Jeweler Alex Soldier recently had a pair of earrings and a ring featured in an editorial fashion spread in W magazine, while Brazilian jeweler Brumani continues to rack up ink with consumer press appearances in the pages of The Knot, Redbook, Icon, Harper’s Bazaar, and Too Much magazines, as well as on the red carpet as worn by J. Lo at the 2011 BAFTA Awards.

       

Alex Soldier's ring, left hand of left model, and earrings, right, were featured on these editorial pages of W magazine. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez, below left, wore these Brumani earrings, below right, to the BAFTA Awards.

     

 

Celebrity Spotting

 Los Angeles, CA—Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, and Adele all chose platinum jewelry to wear to the 28th Annual MTV Video Music Awards, held August 28 in Los Angeles. Beyonce wore platinum jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz including platinum and diamond tassel earrings, platinum ring with emerald and diamonds, her own platinum and diamond wedding ring, and a platinum cuff with jade and diamonds gifted to her by husband Jay-Z. Kim Kardashian also wore platinum jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz, including blackened platinum earrings with white and black diamonds and sapphire, platinum ring with brown diamonds, platinum and diamond cuff, and her own platinum and diamond wedding ring. Finally, Adele performed in platinum jewelry by Harry Winston, including platinum and diamond cluster earrings.

     

Beyonce, left, and Kim Kardashian, right, both wore Lorraine Schwartz platinum jewelry to the MTV Video Music Awards. 

 

PGI Says If You Stock It, They Will Buy It

New York, NY—Platinum Guild International’s 2011 Mystery Shopping Analysis reports that jewelers who have inventory levels of platinum above 25% greatly increase the likelihood of a customer returning to that store to buy. PGI says the 25% stock threshold not only boosted consumer purchase consideration of the metal to more than 70%, it also boosted sales associates’ commitment to selling platinum. Click here to view and download the Entry Platinum Product Showcase, a tool to help identify new platinum designs at affordable prices.

 

Alpina Takes Flight

Wichita, KS—Alpina Watches and Cessna Aircraft recently invited selected VIP customers attend a presentation at Cessna’s headquarters and see more than 30 airplanes in different stages of production. Included was a Cessna Citation Mustang, the company’s new affordable business jet. The Geneva, Switzerland-based watchmaker recently joined forces with Cessna and PrivatAir, signing a three-year cross-marketing agreement to support the introduction of its new Startimer Pilot Collection of watches.  

VIPS invited to the Alpina/Cessna event inspect a Citation Mustang, the aircraft company's new affordable business jet.

"We both rely on precision, hand-crafted products to please our customers," said Alpina managing director Peter Stas. "Since Cessna and Alpina are essentially talking to the same people, cooperating through events like this benefits both companies."  Also highlighted at the recent event was the Alpina Startimer Automatic, below, combining a historic pilot watch design features with a modern day design.

 

Furrer-Jacot Tees Off

Columbus, OH—Have a passion for golf, and the talent to win—but not the means to go on pro tour? The Xempt Players Series is open to men, women, and seniors who have the passion and talent to play professional golf, but never had the opportunity to prove it.

Swiss jeweler Furrer-Jacot has teamed up with the Xempt Players Series, helping both young athletes and local golf aficionados prove their ability to win the 2011 National XPS Series, held August 9-12 in Columbus, OH.

After a series of regional and local qualifiers in several states, the top 150 players met at the Jefferson Country Club in Blacklick (Columbus), OH. Bo Hoag, a graduate of Ohio State, who had just turned pro two weeks earlier but missed the cut for a nationwide tour event, won the Xempt event by six shots.

He received a custom made palladium and diamond ring designed by Furrer-Jacot instead of the usual trophy. This tournament ring has Furrer-Jacot’s signature unique serial number and lifetime warranty, available on all Furrer-Jacot rings.

All Furrer-Jacot rings, like these wedding bands, come with a unique inscription and lifetime guarantee.