Articles and News
Brand News: Fruchtman Offers Free Web Help; New Collections From Demeglio, Belle Etoile; More March 26, 2014 (0 comments)
Fruchtman Offers Retailers Free Website Analysis
Toledo, OH—Shane O’Neill (left) vice president of Fruchtman Marketing, will be in Chicago April 4-7 for a limited number of free one-on-one mentoring sessions with retail jewelers, to review their current webiste and offer insights into how they measure up against industry benchmarks. Retailers will learn what areas of their websites are working best and what areas need improvement, and how that impacts their digital marketing efforts. Limited additional mentoring sessions also are available. Click here for more information and to sign up.
Forevermark Hosts Third Annual Partner Forum
Scottsdale, AZ—Forevermark U.S. president Charles Stanley opened the third annual Forevermark Partner Forum with a recap of the brand’s first two years. The event was held last week at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with 125 retailers attending.
“Forevermark has seen tremendous growth since our launch in the US, with the US showing 66% growth year on year in diamonds inscribed. In two short years, our national distribution went from zero doors to 380 doors in the leading luxury independents. We are now at the end of our beginning, with huge potential in front of us. Now, for 2014, our focus is to build momentum, with a focus on our existing partners,” he said.
Forevermark CEO Stephen Lussier added, “With a presence in over 1,300 retail outlets in 12 major diamond markets, Forevermark is now truly recognized as an established global brand. We’re in a healthy position to achieve our goal of becoming the world’s leading diamond brand.”
In a presentation focused on Millennials, Kit Yarrow, author of Gen BuY and Decoding the New Consumer Mind, revealed insights about this crucial segment and talked about how as a brand focused on providing high quality, ethically sourced, individually selected diamonds, Forevermark is addressing many of their needs. She also shared actionable suggestions for how Forevermark jewelers can better connect with this unique and powerful group of young consumers.
Forevermark also announced plans for a new advertising campaign for holiday 2014. The campaign will focus on communicating Forevermark as a diamond brand and creating an emotional connection with consumers. To support these goals, the campaign will feature classic, diamond-focused pieces. Forevermark will also open a second Forevermark Diamond Institute in India at the beginning of 2015 to meet growing demand for Forevermark inscribed diamonds.
All Forevermark diamantaires and manufacturers were in attendance with their latest collections and inventory for the brand. This year’s forum also introduced the inaugural Forevermark Solitaire Diamond Design Contest. All Forevermark manufacturers were invited to design a finished piece of jewelry featuring at least one 30+ point Forevermark diamond, and sketches for three or four other piece types to round out the collection. Attending retailers voted on the finished piece they felt had the greatest potential to sell in the market. 11 manufacturers entered; Pluczenik named the winner for its “Integré Collection,” which featured a 1.0 ct round Forevermark diamond with 0.60 ctw. pavé set in 18k white gold.
The Forum’s annual Forevermark White Dinner Party event featured a special performance by singer/songwriter Keri Noble. Inspired by the Forevermark promise and her own engagement ring, Noble performed her song “This Ring.”
Roberto Demeglio Launches Pura and Diva Collections
New York, NY—Roberto Demeglio, renowned for his ceramic jewelry designs, announces the U.S. launch of two new collections, Pura and Diva.
A third generation Italian jeweler and artisan, Demeglio launched his brand in the U.S. market two years ago with the Domino collection inspired by the rectangular lines of the domino game. The new Pura and Diva collections further refine the boldness of Domino.
Diva combines diamond-shaped black and white ceramic tiles, accented by natural and color enhanced diamonds. Using thinner, lighter ceramic, it appeals to the customer who wants a statement look without the weight. It features statement cuffs, earrings and pendants with diamond melee. Pura’s stackable bangles go day-to-night, while providing flexibility for mixing and matching.
Bracelets from Roberto Demeglio's new Pura collection, left, and Diva collection, right.
Amit Sofer, president of Roberto Demeglio USA says, “Ceramic is the new luxury for jewelry. We are excited to launch Pura and Diva, which beautifully combine diamonds and ceramic in a way that offers an endless array of styles for an eternally classic concept.”
Laird Returns To JudeFrances As President
Irvine, CA--Barbara Laird is back at the helm of JudeFrances Jewelry. She was vice president of sales for the designer company for six years before moving to the same role at Slane. In her new role back at JudeFrances, she will oversee both sales and product development.
“I couldn’t be more excited to have Barb back at JudeFrances,” founder Jude Steele said in a statement printed in JCK. “She was our first salesperson and was instrumental in building the brand.”
Nina Nguyen Featured in InDesign
Boulder, CO—Vietnamese-born jewelry designer Nina Nguyen was featured in a recent issue of InDesign magazine. In the article, the designer talks about her childhood in Pleiku, Vietnam, where her mother used to buy gold dust from the workers who panned nearby. Her uncle would then transform the dust into rings, which young Nina would take to a market hidden on a chain under her blouse so as to avoid attracting the Communists’ attention. As an adult designing her own jewelry, she turned home for manufacturing help as well, and today her line is created in a women’s co-op in Vietnam that is managed by her family.
“My employees are provided for and experience a good quality of life,” she says. Read more here.
Belle Étoile Announces Spring Color Collection
Emeryville, CA--Belle Étoile’s 2014 Spring Collection features a fusion of natural geometry, textures, patterns, and colors. With Radiant Orchid being Pantone’s Color of the Year, Belle Étoile incorporated many shades within the palette, as well as complementing color schemes.
"For our latest collection, we wanted to present the modern woman with a fun, bold look, while playing with very classic elements. We played with textures and patterns, some abstract and some found in nature,” says Carolyn Thamkul, executive vice president. ”This season's colors were so fun to incorporate into the line, especially since we love working with coordinating palettes to pair with the season's hottest apparel trends."
Belle Étoile's Royale collection in dark orchid, left, and the Zen collection in apple green, right.
Belle Étoile uses materials such as hand-painted Italian enamels and hand-strung Italian rubber to create modern-yet-classic ensembles. Retail price points for the new collection start at $125. For more information, contact sales@belleetoilejewelry.com or call (415) 626-9223.