Articles and News
Brand News From Vibhor Gems, Hearts On Fire, Fope, Jewelers Mutual, More May 26, 2015 (0 comments)
Peter Smith Named President Of Vibhor Gems
New York, NY—Vibhor Gems has tapped Peter Smith, industry veteran and author of Hiring Squirrels as its new president. Smith, left, whose career includes executive stints with Hearts On Fire and Leo Schachter, joins Vibhor in time for market week in Las Vegas. The 15-year-old Vibhor is an industry leader in machine-made bands and fine jewelry.
Smith also is a regular contributor to The Centurion Sales Strategy Newsletter.
HOF Taps Mike Mojica As Business Development Director
Boston, MA—Hearts On Fire has named industry veteran Mike Mojica as its new director of business development. With more than 38 years of experience, Mojica is a longtime expert who has held several key positions in various aspects of the jewelry industry.
Previously, Mojica sold and marketed loose diamonds for leading DTC sightholders such as A. Monnickendam, Lieber & Solow, and Michael Werdiger, with a special emphasis on program oriented bridal and fashion diamond jewelry. During his tenure with Michael Werdiger, Mojica’s team introduced the Krieger Fine Jewelry line, giving him invaluable experience working with independent retail partners. Additionally, he was responsible for successfully launching Cushette, a branded cushion shape diamond. Mojica also spent time leading marketing efforts for Maidi Corporation, a company known for its natural color diamond jewelry. He also has served on the board for the Southwest 24 Karat Club, and as an advisor for AGS to recruit manufacturing jewelers and retailers for membership.
“We are so excited to welcome Mike to our team at Hearts On Fire,” said Gilly Strauss, executive vice president of sales. “Mike has an incredible passion for the industry, a commitment to innovation and excellence, and invaluable relationships with independent retailers around the world. We look forward to the expertise and leadership he will bring to Hearts On Fire.”
Hearts On Fire was purchased by Chow Tai Fook in 2014. The brand continues to expand its distribution footprint in both independent retailers around the world and Hearts On Fire stores and shop-in-shop boutiques in greater China.
Fope Debuts New Ad Campaign
Vicenza, Italy—Italian brand Fope has debuted a new advertising campaign featuring actress and model Anna Valle. The brand’s previous advertising campaign focused on a classical atmosphere and was set in a Renaissance palazzo in the heart of Vicenza, while the new campaign has a very contemporary tone. The photo shoot for the campaign again took place in a sophisticated house again, but this time the style is modern, though aspirational, and easier for consumers to relate to, according to the brand.
The advertising campaign focuses on how a woman spends her time and dresses in Fope jewelry for it. She is portrayed in eight different moments of the day, and each photograph showcases a Fope jewelry collection ranging from easy-to-wear jewels in the morning to the most precious pieces worn at night.
Fope worked with a new art director, Italian eclectic architect Flavio Albanese, for this campaign. The photographer is Joseph Cardo, who worked with Fope and Valle in 2013 and this year was particularly keen on the new tone of the campaign as even more authentic of the Italian lifestyle.
Jewelers Mutual Honors Agents
Neenah, WI—Jewelers Mutual Insurance has inducted Roy Johnson of CAI Insurance Agency, Inc., Renee Merhige of MJM Global Insurance Brokerage Group, Inc., and Len Zwas of The Insurance Marketplace into its agent Hall of Fame. The individuals (shown below, left to right) were recognized at the company's national sales conference which was held last week in Neenah.
"Jewelers Mutual agents are the leading jewelers block insurance experts, and this year's Hall of Fame inductees are some of our most experienced agents," said Scott Murphy, president and CEO of Jewelers Mutual. "Roy, Renee and Len are all valued partners, proving to be experienced, knowledgeable, passionate and loyal. They should be proud of their success with Jewelers Mutual."
Members of the Agent Hall of Fame are recognized for their commitment to excellence in serving the jewelry industry and Jewelers Mutual's policyholders. They are regarded as trusted advisors, demonstrating outstanding expertise in the areas of underwriting and loss prevention. Many have also served as mentors to fellow agents.
Last year, Bob Carroll, Rick Franchi, Kent McClenahan, Karen Signorino, and Rhea Van Hook were the first inductees to Jewelers Mutual Agent Hall of Fame. Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company has partnered with agents to serve its commercial lines policyholders since 1934.
The company also recognized awarded Signorino (below) with its Legacy Award. For more than 30 years, she has represented JM as a licensed agent with extensive experience in jewelers block coverage. The Legacy Award also was presented at the sales conference.
"When I was introduced to Karen Signorino, I was struck by her passion for the jewelry industry and her history of success with Jewelers Mutual," said Murphy. "Karen is an absolute expert on all aspects of jewelry insurance, and she stands out among our team as one of the most committed, most loyal, and most talented agents."
Signorino said, "I am both humbled and honored by this Legacy Award. I have been truly blessed over the years with the opportunity Jewelers Mutual gives me to serve the jewelry industry. When I started in the jewelry insurance field over 30 years ago, I had no way of knowing that I would meet so many wonderful people and build such long lasting relationships with my clients and colleagues."
Signorino is a member of numerous industry organizations, and serves on the board of directors of The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California and has been a prior board member of the California Jewelers Association. In 2014, she was recognized by 24 Karat with the Excellence in Service Award. She is also a member of the Women's Jewelry Association’s Northern California Chapter. In addition, she supports numerous charities and community service organizations.
ALOR Continues Global Expansion With Australian Agency Partnership
La Jolla, CA—ALOR has named Deborah Davies of Agensse Australia as the agency of its brand in the Australia territory and New Zealand territory. Supplying jewelry to both regions for over 15 years, Agensse Australia sources fashionable jewelry from around the globe. Owner and managing director, Deborah (Deb) Davies, also engages with manufacturers during the product development phase, to bring the styling with fashion and quality that suits the outdoor, casual lifestyle of Australia and New Zealand.
“My inspiration comes from different cultures, to architecture, organics, textures and all things aesthetic. This being the very reason for my excitement to be bringing ALOR jewelry and watches to the Australian and New Zealand marketplaces,” says Davies.
“Signing this partnership is yet another step in continuing to develop our global expansion,” said Tal Zemer, principal of ALOR. “Deb Davies and Agensse have a strong knowledge and command over these two important markets, and we are looking forward to growing ALOR’s business and developing a brand presence among their consumers.”
Frederique Constant Supports Gender Equality In Film
Los Angeles, CA—Swiss watchmaker Frederique Constant partnered with leading entertainment trade publication Variety and the UN Women’s HeForShe campaign to sponsor a landmark event May 16, on the subject of gender equality within the film industry.
Speakers included Academy Award-winning actress Salma Hayek (with an impressive watch-industry pedigree herself), Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and actress Parker Posey. The actresses were joined by filmmakers Christine Vachon and Elizabeth Karlsen, producers of Carol, a much-anticipated film that made its world debut at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
A panel discussion was moderated by Claudia Eller, Variety co-editor-in-chief, and UN Women’s Elizabeth Nyamayaro. Variety publisher Michelle Sobrino said, “The issue of gender equality within our industry has rarely been in greater need of frank and open discussion.”
