Zale Corporation and Camuto Group, a licensing entity, just announced plans for an exclusive partnership with the Jessica Simpson Collection to launch a diamond fashion jewelry line. Launching in October, the Jessica Simpson Collection Diamond Fashion Jewelry will only be available in Zales, Zales Outlet, and Peoples stores throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, as well as on the Zales.com and Peoples.com Web sites, a company spokesperson told JCK this morning in a phone interview.

The Dallas-based merchant calls the move “an example of Zales’ efforts to bring designer jewelry to today’s modern customer.” The name behind the collection, of course, is a well-known recording artist and actress, as well as fashion-savvy businesswoman with her fashion reach extending into 22 product categories, including shoes, apparel, accessories, fragrances, and more.

Simpson told the press that she’s “wanted to design fine jewelry” and was excited about the Zale collaboration. “Jewelry is a very personal expression that celebrates who you are and this collection is very much a reflection of who I am,” she continued.

Theo Killion, Zale Corporation’s chief executive officer, likewise expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. “This is a partnership of two great brands,” he said. “Jessica Simpson is an established designer brand with great awareness and millions of fans throughout the world, while Zale is one of the best known names in fine jewelry. We look forward to joining forces to provide our customers with an exciting new line capturing Jessica Simpson’s unique design perspective.”

A total of 60 SKUs will be for sale. Items will be made in sterling silver and 10k gold, as well as a mix of both metals. At press time, Zales stated that diamonds would be the only gemstones used. Motifs will include butterflies, hearts, and crosses, and suggested retail prices will range from $79–$1,099. 

JCK