Articles and News
Brand News From Lazare Kaplan, Gem Platinum, Frederic Sage, Ritani, Belle Etoile, More June 24, 2014 (0 comments)
Lazare Kaplan, Gem Platinum Win PGI Red Carpet Jewelry Awards
New York, NY—For the second year in a row, Lazare Kaplan International Inc. (LKI) won Platinum Guild International’s (PGI USA) Buyers’ Choice award in the Red Carpet category for its 100-ct. platinum and diamond necklace, during the JCK Las Vegas show.
Jeffrey Post and Gem Platinum, meanwhile, received the Editor’s Choice award for the Red Carpet category, for his platinum and diamond cage bracelet (left).
The Lazare necklace’s center diamond is a 7.25 ct. D/VVS1 pear shape with a series of 5.0 ct.-plus diamonds graduating down to 0.40 cts. The entire setting is handmade in platinum.
“What was especially gratifying this year was that both retailers and manufacturers came by the booth asking to see the necklace everyone was talking about,” said LKI vice president Marcee Feinberg. “We wanted to create something unique, that showed off our diamonds and had the “wow” factor. I believe we accomplished that.”
Lazare Kaplan's 100-carat plus necklace won the Buyer' Choice Award for Red Carpet Jewelry in the PGI competition at the JCK Show.
Last year, LKI won PGI’s Red Carpet award for its “110th Anniversary Necklace,” a classic-style 63.20 ctw. diamond and platinum necklace. The awards are judged by innovation and craftsmanship in platinum design and gives awards in eight categories.
Frederic Sage Offers Free Google Chromecast Player With Appointment
Great Neck, NY—Frederic Sage is offering the new Google Chromecast Media Player with every appointment made at the upcoming 2014 Luxury Privé show in New York.
“No purchase is necessary, just view the line for 30 minutes,“ says Brian Sage. Visit the brand in Salon 307. Click here to make an appointment or for additional information email shows@fredericsage.com or call (800) 651-1810. Follow the brand on Facebook, Pinterest,Instagram, and Twitter.
Ritani Named Among 100 Best Washington Employers
Seattle, WA—Ritani was named as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Seattle Business magazine.
Following on the heels of its national award as one of Forbes’ Most Promising Companies 2014 , “it means a lot to us to be recognized in our own backyard,” says vice president Mark Keeney.
Belle Étoile Adds Three New Regional Sales Directors
Emeryville, CA—Belle Étoile recently added three new regional sales directors. Amir Cohen now serves as Inter-Mountain director of sales, Brian Callahan as Midwest director of sales, and Gregg Sulkin is Florida director of sales.
Jerry Batt, national sales director, said, ”These are three respected and dedicated industry veterans with many years of experience working with fine designer jewelry. They are all seasoned professionals and understand how to help our retailers grow their business.”
For more information, contact sales@belleetoilejewelry.com or call (415) 626-9223.
Tourneau Adds Two Leading Executives
New York, NY--Tourneau announces two executive hires: Craig Miller as senior vice president of CPO (Certified Pre-Owned watches), and Gretchen Mathews as senior vice president of human resources.
Miller will be responsible for analyzing CPO inventory pricing, optimizing efficiencies and growth opportunities for the department, and supporting store staff through training and education. He joins Tourneau from Circa, where he established and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the company’s retail division, developing strong relationships with independent retailers nationwide to expand the company’s watch and jewelry buying capabilities. Prior to CIRCA, Miller worked with various fine jewelry brands including Graff, Cartier, Bvlgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels, in addition to extensive watch and jewelry training in Paris and Geneva. He began his career at the American Design Group, a wholesale firm for jewelry retailers.
Mathews will develop, implement and support programs and processes to enhance the culture and talent at Tourneau, through comprehensive understanding, strategic planning, and innovative ideas regarding best practices, as well as a proactive approach to talent acquisition. Matthews joins Tourneau from fashion brand Vince Camuto, where she served as the SVP of talent management. Prior to Vince Camuto, Mathews gained extensive experience in recruiting and talent acquisition in the luxury retail space, working with fashion brands such as Michael Kors, Sam Edelman, Kenneth Cole, and Brown Shoe.
“These new executives illustrate Tourneau’s dedication to acquiring superior talent that will strengthen the entire organization,” said CEO Ira Melnitsky.
Baume & Mercier Unveils First Women's Collection In Nearly A Decade
New York, NY—Baume & Mercier launched its first new women's watch collection in nearly a decade. Its name, Promesse, is French for "promise" and is meant to inspire women to hold a promise close to their heart while celebrating their unique individuality through their timepiece.
The brand dipped into its archives to inspire Promesse, a delicate and feminine design and a recognizable descendent of a 1970's model from the Baume & Mercier museum collection. Different due to its unconventional shape, Promesse features a design with a gentle aesthetic tempo, playing with an oval bezel nestled inside a soft, round case.
Available in two sizes, 30 mm and 34 mm, the style’s sleek curves were inspired by the ripples produced by a drop of water. Its shape is further enhanced with mother-of-pearl, an oval bezel. Offered in both steel and two-tone 18K red gold, the collection also includes both quartz and automatic models, and several models set with diamonds (below left).
Promesse was launched June 18 at a special event at Gotham Hall in New York City. Actress Jessica Pare, below right, best known for her role as Megan Draper on AMC’s Mad Men, was sporting the watch at the event. The line will be available at select retailers nationwide and online in September 2014 starting at $1,900.
WR Cobb Now Offers Financing on E-Commerce Platform
East Providence, RI—WR Cobb will offer financing to qualified consumers shopping online. Offering this additional feature is an enormous perk for WR Cobb and their numerous retailers, says Jay Gerber, vice president of sales and marketing. “We have added this feature to help our retailers with conversions, as we have discovered that financing in the world of e-commerce is a significant driver of sales.”
Gerber is correct: studies show sales will organically increase with the implementation of an up-to-date payment service. Stores that offer consumer financing are more enticing when purchasing large-ticket items. The financing option both attracts new customers or can lead to an additional purchase or upgrade by existing customers.
WR Cobb’s new and improved financing service is via PayPal’s secure Bill Me Later program. The program’s main advantage is the ease of use and streamlining the checkout process for consumers and retailers alike, by allowing consumers the opportunity to buy now and remit payment six months later.
WR Cobb Online develops e-commerce solutions, and specializes in diamond configurator platforms for independent retailers. For more information, call (800) 428-0040 or (401) 467-7400 or email support@wrcobbonline.com.