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Los Angeles, CA—Mason Motes, the new in-house designer for Maryland-based Smyth Jewelers, recently traveled to Los Angeles to spend a two-week mentorship/immersion program at Uneek Fine Jewelry.

Uneek Fine Jewelry in its Los Angeles offices and manufacturing facilities, giving the recent GIA graduate a “hands-on feel” of the Uneek process, from concept to completion.

“Smyth wanted to take succession planning to the next level by connecting high potentials with manufacturer partners, to expose them to real-life industry best practices,” says Benjamin Javaheri, president and principal designer of Uneek. “It was such an honor for me that they chose me and my team to contribute to this initiative.”

Uneek is known for its focus on employee engagement, both its own staff and those of its retail partners with retailer staff recognition programs. To be able to host such a program was another milestone, he added.

In the two weeks Mason was in California, he was immersed in various learning activities, including one-on-one sessions with CAD designers, walk-throughs of Uneek’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, interview sessions with bench jewelers, exposure to cross-functional work streams, and much more. “I believe it is a unique experiential leaning opportunity,” Javaheri said. “My hat is off to Mark Motes, COO of Smyth, for coming up with a brilliant employee development strategy!”

The program was so effective that it also opened up more avenues for both parties to strengthen their collaboration and realize synergies previously untapped. With Mason Motes now at the helm of Smyth’s in-house design team, a special Uneek collection designed exclusively for Smyth Jewelers—with guidance from Javaheri—is being discussed.

“One thing that Uneek and Smyth have always had in common is our sense of family,” Javaheri declared. “As Smyth has always taken care of the Uneek family, we will always be committed to taking care of theirs. Having the younger Motes under our wings, even if it was just for two weeks, and getting the chance to contribute to his career development, gives me the confidence that this relationship will continue to flourish for generations to come!”

To learn about collaborative opportunities with Uneek, call  (888) BE-UNEEK or e-mail info@uneekjewelry.com.

Top image: Mason Motes of Smyth Jewelers with Benjamin Javaheri of Uneek at Uneek's manufacturing facilities in downtown Los Angeles.