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Brand News: PGI, Michael Bondanza Launch Online Pop-Up Shop; Goodbye Barneys New York; More November 05, 2019 (0 comments)

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PGI Launches Online Pop-Up Shop For Holiday; Michael Bondanza To Be Exclusive Partner 

New York, NY—Platinum Guild International announces the debut of an e-commerce platform to assist holiday shoppers with their platinum jewelry gifting needs this year. The pop-up’s initial offerings consist of a 19-piece collection designed by New York-based platinum jeweler Michael Bondanza. The collection, comprised of earrings, pendants and stackable bands, will retail from $1,100 to $4,400, and will be available on PlatinumJewelry.com through Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) 2020.

“We at Michael Bondanza are excited to partner with PGI-USA on this e-commerce platform, as we have been passionate about platinum for decades,” says Geri Bondanza, the brand’s owner. “Through this pop-up, we will ‘hear’ from today’s consumers about what they are wearing and collecting, thus establishing those Bondanza-created wearable pieces destined to become classics!” 

“With so much holiday shopping done online, we felt it made great sense to create a destination which will enable shoppers to purchase platinum jewelry with ease,” added PGI-USA president, Jenny Luker. “Whether a gift for a loved one or a self-purchase, this pop-up is a one stop ‘shop’ where consumers will find a collection of truly wearable, stylish platinum pieces that everyone should have in their jewelry wardrobe.”  

Based on the presumed success of the holiday endeavor, Platinum Guild will look to add additional designers to the pop-up in 2020. “The intent of this platform is to give designers an opportunity to share their platinum pieces directly with consumers, whom we know are interested in purchasing online,” explained Luker. By creating a destination that will showcase the best of platinum jewelry, in a range of design and price, we are assuring the continued growth and demand for years to come.” 

Two of the featured Michael Bondanza pieces: Heights pearl necklace, above, and Key necklace, top of page.

 

De Beers Group Industry Services Teams With CIRCA To Provide Diamond Verification And Education

London, UK—De Beers Group Industry Services, a leading supplier of synthetic diamond detection equipment, and CIRCA, global buyer of pre-owned fine diamond jewelry

and watches, will implement De Beers proprietary technology and install its detection equipment across CIRCA’s global offices. The goal is to provide CIRCA’s buyers with assurance that the diamonds contained in the jewelry and watches they purchase are natural diamonds.

De Beers Industry Services will also conduct joint educational events for CIRCA clients in Asia, Europe, and the United States, to educate participants on the diamond detection process and to provide authentication of the natural diamonds in their jewelry. The two organizations also intend to offer advanced diamond appreciation courses exclusively to CIRCA clients.

Says Jonathan Kendall, president of De Beers Group Industry Services, “One of our core missions is to develop ground-breaking, low-cost testing services designed to strengthen consumer confidence in diamonds. We’re pleased to work with CIRCA by providing diamond detection equipment that will give its buyers assurance over the natural diamonds they purchase, which can then be passed on to clients.”

CIRCA CEO Oren Schneider added, “Natural diamonds hold significant inherent value and CIRCA acquires large volumes of pre-owned diamond pieces. Our clients trust CIRCA’s ability to authenticate their diamond jewelry, ensure product integrity, and recognize the value of natural diamonds. By partnering with De Beers Group and by using its cutting-edge diamond detection equipment in our locations, our buyers are able to assure sellers that their diamonds are natural. We’ll also be able to clearly identify and avoid buying any diamonds which are not natural."

 

Bye-Bye Barneys!

New York, NY—After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the summer and subsequent weeks of “is it or isn’t it” for sale or closing, Barneys New York is, in fact, sold and its existing stores will close. 

Bids came from assorted interested parties—rumored to include Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus parent company Ares—but the winner is Authentic Brands Group, which is anticipated to regroup the brand in a new fashion, including pop-up shops, e-commerce, and at least one freestanding store in a yet-to-be-determined location.

The retailer’s recent tribulations have been well documented, but this article on Fashionista.com does a great job of presenting the Barneys timeline in concise form. Click here to read.

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