Articles and News
Brand News From Hasenfeld-Stein, Kirk Kara, and Imagine Bridal June 13, 2018 (0 comments)
Daughters Take Helm At Kirk Kara Brand
Los Angeles, CA—When your father is Kirk Kara, your childhood is no doubt full of sparkle. Angela Karaguezian Kassabian and Grace Karaguezian Terezian were raised with jewelry design in their blood, and today, they’re setting the tone at the forefront of their family’s award-winning brand, Kirk Kara. At left: Angela Karaguezian Kassabian and Grace Karaguezian Terezian.
Growing up, the two sisters spent countless hours after school at their parents’ studio—then called Something Special—sketching and coloring their dream engagement rings. Upon graduating from college, they joined the business and renamed it Kirk Kara after their father. Since joining, they’ve grown the brand into a national presence, winning multiple industry accolades along the way.
With a national embracing of female leadership and #girlboss culture, more entrepreneurial women than ever are driving established brands. Now, after decades of learning the ins and outs of the industry directly from their father, the Karaguezian daughters are at the helm, leading with a strong, feminine touch.
Angela’s love of fashion has a profound influence on her jewelry designs, which are chic and playful at the same time. Grace’s style is natural and ethereal, producing an aesthetic that’s nature-inspired. “We are inspired to design together as sisters, with our individual styles bringing a variety of design options to brides,” says Angela. “We each got married within the last few years, so we are really connected to the market, and we know what women want.”
The secret to their success has been staying true to the company’s roots even while they bring a modern approach. All pieces are designed by the family and handmade by master craftsmen who have spent decades perfecting their skill.
“Engagement rings represent such an important and symbolic part of life, so for us, designing them is our way of giving back,” says Grace Terezian.
Hasenfeld Stein Launches Proprietary Cut Program Through GIA
New York, NY—Hasenfeld-Stein will be among the first branded diamond companies to participate in the Proprietary Cut Program with GIA laboratories. The Proprietary Cut Program will include branded cut names on GIA grading reports for both Hasenfeld-Stein’s exclusive FirePrincess® and FireCushion® cut branded diamonds. Both brands are part of the FireMark® family of branded diamonds. To participate, Hasenfeld-Stein was required to submit supporting documentation, including their diamond facet arrangement.
Related: GIA To Include Branded Cut Names On Reports
The GIA grading reports will now include the branded name of the proprietary diamond cut with the diamond shape and cutting style description. The reports provide a clear distinction between FirePrincess® and FireCushion® when selling them against non-branded princess and cushion cut diamonds.
“It’s not only a great step, but an important step by GIA, and I commend them for formulating this program. Retailers are looking for ways to distinguish between the benefits of a branded diamond and generics found in the marketplace,” said Hertz Hasenfeld, CEO of Hasenfeld-Stein.
Imagine Bridal Wins Best Bridal Design
Great Neck, NY—Imagine Bridal was awarded Best Bridal Design at Luxury by JCK in Las Vegas.
Related: Centurion Design Awards Announces Winners In All-New Competition Categories
The Oval Interlaced Halo was selected from 130 entries and awarded at the Luxury by JCK breakfast ceremony on Thursday, May 31. “It was such an honor to receive this award. We are ecstatic! It’s humbling to receive this level of attention from such a great group of retailers,” stated Brian Hakimian, president of Imagine Bridal.
This is the second award Imagine Bridal has won in 2018. Earlier in the year, the brand won the Centurion Design Award in the Best Wedding Band category for its Imagine Set Eternity Band.