At the helm of JCKMarketplace.com, the new online sourcing tool that allows you to shop for inventory like you’re walking the aisles of a trade show, is marketplace manager Brittany Siminitz. From her base in Washington, D.C., Siminitz, a former retailer—she spent nearly four years at Joint Venture Jewelry in Cary, N.C.—talks about her first major sale, her favorite trend, and how being compared to a piece of candy is actually a compliment.
How long have you been in jewelry?
I got into jewelry right out of college, four years ago, with my first job at a retail store, working with marketing and social media. I’d always wanted to be in fashion and never thought I’d get into jewelry, but I grew to love it so much.
What was your first major sale as a retailer?
I was working with an older woman, probably in her late 70s. She went through the entire store for what felt like hours. I was new, so I had no idea how to handle it. Finally, she asked to see a brooch, an old Victorian piece with pearls and garnets. I saw her eyes light up when she pinned it to her shoulder, and I’ll always remember the feeling of watching her fall in love with it. That’s when I realized what this business is all about. People buy jewelry because they love it and it speaks to them. I think that’s awesome.
Search “Khushboo” on jckmarketplace.com for these 18k white gold and blackened silver earrings with 22.66 cts. t.w. diamonds
What’s your favorite summer fashion trend?
Color! I love it, and I embrace it. The other day, I wore a particularly colorful outfit, and my husband told me I looked like a Jolly Rancher!
How often are new products uploaded?
Daily. It’s hard for even me to keep up. And seriously, just when I think I’ve seen the most amazing piece ever, another one is added. It never gets old!
Talk about some of the newest pieces on Marketplace.
Recent pieces I have fallen in love with have diamond slices and rough diamonds, like Khushboo’s earrings and Todd Reed’s rings. They’re a bit unconventional—not as shiny as brilliant-cut diamonds, but so artsy and cool!