Articles and News
INDUSTRY NEWS: AGTA NAMES NEW MARKETING MANAGER; ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RING PRICES STAY FLAT January 23, 2013 (0 comments)
AGTA Names New Marketing Manager
Dallas, TX—The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announces the promotion of marketing and sales coordinator, Danielle Pelletiere, to the position of marketing manager, effective January 21. She replaces Adam Graham who is the new CEO at Erica Courtney.
Pelletiere holds a BSBA in marketing and a minor in public relations from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Prior to working with AGTA, she was employed by Neiman Marcus. At AGTA, she concentrated on sales and editorial content and in her first year doubled ad sales and took on all editorial control of the organization’s electronic newsletter, ePRISM.
"Danielle has done a remarkable job for us in her capacity as marketing coordinator and we felt that she would the ideal individual to take on the responsibility of this new role," says Douglas Hucker, AGTA CEO. "We have some rigorous plans for promoting our members’ businesses in the coming year and we feel confident our plans are in good hands with Danielle."
In her new role, Pelletiere will extend her focus to all aspects of promotion, advertising, and public relations.
Average Spend for Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands Unchanged
Merrick, NY--The average amount spent for engagement rings and wedding bands barely nudged up last year, according to a survey from The Wedding Report. In 2012, couples spent an average of $3,239 for an engagement ring, eight dollars more than the average $3,231 spent in 2011--a barely-negligible 0.2% increase. Wedding band spending increased by seven dollars, to an average of $1,186 from $1,179, or 0.6%.
But when the 6.1% increase in the average price of gold between 2011 and 2012 is taken into account, those figures suggest that couples actually downsized the ring to stay in the price range. For platinum, better news--a $170/oz drop in price from 2011 to 2012 means couples get more ring for their money.
Bridal sales at luxury jewelers, meanwhile, typically run double or higher than the national average.
NAJA To Host Book Signings at AGTA GemFair
Tucson, AZ—The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers announces the opportunity for visitors to the Tucson gem shows to meet three distinguished authors and have their books individually autographed. All authors will be at the NAJA exhibit booth, #G11, in the Galleria Level at the AGTA GemFair:
On February 6 at 11:00 a.m., Elisabeth Strack FGA, will sign copies of her book Pearls following her AGTA presentation.
On February 8 at 10: 30 a.m., Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Silver and other Jewelry Metals by Renee Newman, GG, will be available after her AGTA presentation. Her newest book will be introduced at the 30th Annual NAJA ACE It Education Conference February 3-4, and will be present along with most of her existing titles.
Finally, on February 8 at 2:00 p.m., the World Hallmarks, Volume I by Danusia Niklewicz, GG, & Lindy Matula, GG, as well as their Hallmark Poster will be available for signing.
Click here for a brochure about NAJA’s Tucson 2013 conference or contact Gail Brett Levine, (718) 896-1536, naja.appraisers@netzero.net.