JCK Voices
JCK staffers discuss news affecting the jewelry industry.
Diversify Like Bravo Through Launching Related Products, Merchandise
When you have a good idea, spin it off into more to spread the brand message and increase profit. Or, at least, consider doing so, like Bravo Television, which is developing clothes, kitchenware, and other merchandise based on some of it popular programs like Project Runway and Top Chef. This news is courtesy of an article on the Business Insider web site. For jewelers, diversificati ...... Read More
Comments (1)Guilty Pleasure Brands Having A Good Year
We may be in a recession, but many folks still hang on tight to their favorite vices. This news is courtesy of the lunchtime report “Steamy Stimulus” on Street Signs with Erin Burnett which aired today on CNBC TV. The broadcast included an interview with Barnes & Noble, which claims that sales of romance novels are up (Harlequin reports increased year-over-year sa ...... Read More
Comments (5)Advice From Mike Hauben
As if the American jewelry industry didn’t have enough to worry about, one critical emerging issue that needs to be addressed is the industry’s demographics–more specifically, how few young people are in this industry in the United States. This topic was discussed at the Plumb Club Forum last year, and it was also observed by management guru Tom Peters when ...... Read More
Comments (5)Amberif 2009 Video, Amberways
The last video from Amberif shows a range of product from Amberways. Bozena Kaminska, owner and head designer of the company, describes some of the larger pieces she made for the Amberif fashion show, held the night before, and smaller jewelry pieces for everyday use. In addition to amber, the pieces are made with murano glass, Swarovski Crystal, and other natural materials. The company does very ...... Read More
Comments (0)Amberif 2009 Video, New Amber Collection
Marta Wesolowski of New Amber Collection describes the concave cut technique behind the company’s new buff top amber stones. ...... Read More
Comments (0)Amberif 2009 Video, Aleksander Gliwiñski
Aleksander Gliwiñski speaks almost no English. But what little he did say to me during my two trips to Amberif speaks volume on his approach to amber jewelry design and life. Basically he told me that he loves his wife, he loves daughter, and he loves his work. He does a good amount of business in the U.S., but he says he is not necessarily interested in expanding to meet demand. Instead, he ...... Read More
Comments (0)Amberif 2009 Video, Dejwis Co.
Design and fashion are always the main attraction of the jewelry at Amberif. However, behind much of the creativity is technological innovation. Dejwis Co. tries to distinguish itself not only with design but with the use of technology. Tomasz Chabas of Dejwis explains how the company uses electric soldering technology and technique to make jewelry that is more desirable to their customers. ...... Read More
Comments (0)Amberif 2009 Video, Ambermoda
Baltic amber and its use in jewelry and art once again reigned supreme at 16th annual Amberif International Fair of Amber, Jewellery and Gemstones, trade fair held March 11-14 in Gdansk, Poland. JCK is the only U.S. jewelry publication to cover the fair, having first visited two years ago. For this year’s visit, I took videos of a few of the companies at the fair. Now may be the time for am ...... Read More
Comments (1)Desk Dig, St. Patrick's Edition
Here’s a look at some more interesting stuff that’s come across my desk recently. Hip Hollywood designer Erica Courtney partnered with The Tanzanite Foundation for her 10th annual Drop Dead Gorgeous Oscar Party in February. Inspired by a visit to Tanzania, where she fell in love with the people and especially the children, Courtney created a special Tanzanite Red Carpet C ...... Read More
Comments (0)Marks Jewelers ‘Mall’ Billboard on PA Turnpike
Drivers heading west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike can see an amusing billboard from Marks Jewelers of Montgomeryville, Pa. In between the Willow Grove (No. 27) and Fort Washington (No. 26) exits is where this particular billboard lives. Its simple message lets you know that the cool jewelry in the ad can’t be found at a chain store: “The mall doesn’t have it. We checked ...... Read More
Comments (1)Robbins Diamonds Billboard on I-95 South to Philly Airport
I nearly drove off the road from laughing so hard the first time I saw this Robbins Diamonds billboard on my way to the Philadelphia airport. It’s innovative and grabs your attention, for sure. I’ve passed it several times this winter, and each time I still laugh. No, that’s her ring finger. This is the ad I see on I-95 South en route to the Philadelphia airport. ...... Read More
Comments (8)Desk Dig, Day Two
Yesterday’s post discussed some of the interesting new catalogs and products that came across my desk while I was traveling recently. Today we dig through the rest of the pile. Lika Behar, creator of the eponymous Lika Behar Collection, offers up a host of rich looking—but, surprisingly, not rich-costing—24k gold jewelry. Born in Istanbul, Behar’s family lineage ...... Read More
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