Articles and News
Brand News: Michael John’s Pink Watch; Ron Harder Honored, PGI On Refinery29 and Helzbergs, More October 02, 2013 (0 comments)
Michael John Jewelry Pink Watch Benefits Breast Cancer Charities
Orange County, CA—October is Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) month, a cause that is near and dear to the team at Michael John Jewelry. In honor of breast cancer awareness, Michael John is donating 100% of the proceeds from sales of its limited edition "PINK Watch" (left) to various breast cancer charities, and hosting a contest giveaway through Facebook to promote the BCA cause.
The contest is running now through the end of October. In order to win, contest participants must upload a picture of a strong woman in their life and tell why she means so much to them. Participants don't need a Facebook account to enter, just an email address. They can enter up to three times. To view the official contest campaign and rules, click here.
Also through the end of October, the watch (valued at $650) is available for purchase on Michael John’s website at a discounted price of $350, with 100% of the proceeds from sales being donated to various BCA organizations. The timepiece includes a pink leather band, stainless steel frame with automatic movement, crystal sapphire glass, and Swarovski crystals on the bezel. To purchase the Michael John Jewelry PINK Watch and shop for a cause, click here.
Wisconsin Jewelers Association Names Ron Harder to Hall of Fame
Neenah, WI—Ron Harder, retired president and CEO of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., was inducted into the Wisconsin Jewelers Association's Hall of Fame, at a special presentation September 29, the final afternoon of the Madison Jewelry Expo. Harder served as president and CEO of Jewelers Mutual for 25 years, and remains an active member of the community in Neenah.
Darwin Copeman, president and CEO of Jewelers Mutual said of his predecessor, "Ron Harder devoted 34 years to Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, which remains to this day the only insurance company in the United States and Canada solely dedicated to protecting jewelry businesses and jewelry owners. He would be the first to say that he shares this honor from the Wisconsin Jewelers Association's Hall of Fame with the great people he worked with at Jewelers Mutual."
Ron Harder, left, and Darwin Copeman at the Wisconsin Jewelers Association event.
Wisconsin Jewelers Association president Jeff Wickersham said, "The Wisconsin Jewelers Association is proud to add Ronald R. Harder to our Hall of Fame inductees, in recognition of his lifetime of service to the jewelers of Wisconsin and the industry at large. His successful business leadership and commitment to education are an example to all."
Jewelers Norm and Ginny Lange of M. Lange Co. and Dorel and Aurica Dolberg of Dorel Dolberg Co. also were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Jewelers Mutual’s corporate headquarters features a public gallery named for the former president and CEO. The R. Harder Gallery of Gems and Minerals is one of the top private collections of minerals, and is open to the public free during regular business hours.
Top Fashion Site Refinery29 and Helzberg Jewelers Both Go Platinum
New York, NY—Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) has partnered with the largest independent fashion and style website, Refinery29, to promote the unique qualities of platinum jewelry.
Within the program, R29 editors will identify jewelry trends and use them to create look books featuring platinum pieces, such as this ring by Erica Courtney, below. The site will also service a platinum dedicated email to their trendsetting consumers, and host advertising on various sections of the site.
To view the Refinery29 platinum section, click here.
Separately, following a successful test launch, Helzberg Diamonds in conjunction with PGI is preparing for the official launch of its new platinum collection of engagement rings and wedding bands in select stores nationwide in October.
In support of the collection, PGI USA is providing platinum training in all stores and also offering online training.
“Helzberg is dedicated to unparalleled quality and service so platinum bridal jewelry is a natural fit for their stores,” says PGI USA president Huw Daniel. “Helzberg associates shine in their enthusiasm and expertise, and we are thrilled with how the platinum collection has been received thus far.”
The platinum styles will be featured in Helzberg’s advertising as well as in-store brochures and counter signs. Advertising for the collection promotes the enduring qualities of platinum.
WR Cobb Offers Rotating Online Videos
East Providence, RI--Online jewelry and watch sales have grown to $9.8 billion, increasing an average of 2.9% a year for the past five years, according to research firm IBISWorld. Not only are people buying online, but they expect a state-of-the-art user experience.
Jeweler James Allen and manufacturer and seller of loose diamonds, WR Cobb, are offering a series of rotational videos for their online shopping features. “Staying ahead of the customer’s online expectations and easing their worry of purchasing major products online is difficult and must be constantly re-evaluated," says Jay Gerber, vice president of WR Cobb Online, which develops e-commerce solutions and specializes in diamond configurator platforms for independent retailers.
"Videos are becoming a standard expectation by our customers and only the highest resolution, zoomed-in technology will do,” he says. A rotational video gives the customer a more confident look at what they are planning to buy, and he predicts this technology will become an industry standard in the next few years.
Alex Soldier Jewelry Showcased At New York Fashion Week
New York, NY—Jewelry from internationally renowned designer and sculptor Alex Soldier was a highlight of one show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York, September 5-12. Soldier’s 18k gold and silver pieces adorned the models in the Katya Leonovich show on September 7.
A trio of looks from Katya Leonovich's runway show, featuring Alex Soldier jewelry.
“Fashion week is all about celebration of beauty and style, which coincides with our brand’s philosophy. It was exciting to see my designs coming to life on the runway. Katya Leonovich and our team did a wonderful job in combining our aesthetics in such an elaborate fashion,” Alex Soldier said in an interview with National Jeweler.
Click to see the Katya Leonovich runway show video here.