Supplier News: Week of Dec. 8

By Brittany Siminitz | December 08, 2025

Chris Ploof Becomes IJO Vendor

Chris Ploof Designs has been named an official vendor of the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO), giving the brand the opportunity to receive marketing support from the IJO team, access to over 850 members nationwide, and priority placement in the buying room at IJO’s conference Feb. 29–March 3 in Colorado Springs.

“I am honored to be selected as the newest IJO vendor,” said brand founder Chris Ploof in a statement. “This is our first time joining a buying group, and we look forward to the many new connections we will make.

“Our hand-forged work in what I call ‘modern metals’—such as Damascus steel, mokume gane, meteorite, and more—deserves a wider audience,” said Ploof. “Our customers love the gender-neutral design and the excellence of our production standards. Of course, it helps that we do it all with sustainable business practices in our solar-powered Massachusetts studio. We hope to now be able to offer such options to more people across the nation.”

Picchiotti Debuts New Commercials

Starting early last month, Italian heritage jewelry house Picchiotti has aired new commercials, highlighting its popular Xpandable collection, for targeted audiences via streaming platforms and cable TV networks.

While Picchiotti‘s previous advertising campaign was AI-generated, the new commercials utilize CGI and feature a tagline about jewelry transforming a woman into “the ultimate masterpiece.”

“I have always been enchanted by the concept of the masterpiece,” said founder and lead designer Giuseppe Picchiotti in a statement. “For decades, we have been working diligently, securing exceptional gemstones to create the most beautiful jewelry treasures. And now we are embracing the idea of making our customers into masterpieces.

“A well-dressed, sophisticated woman is a sight to behold, no doubt. But when she adds the natural beauty of superlative gems and exquisitely crafted fine jewelry, she is transformed into a work of art herself—the literal sparkle of the gems radiates with the power to match her own inner brilliance.”

RJO Celebrates 1,200 Members

The Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) has achieved a milestone, welcoming its 1,200th member—Witt’s Jewelry of Wayne, Neb.

RJO began with 14 independent jewelers in 1966, and today the group supports independent jewelers with competitive buying power, marketing programs, education, and member-vendor relationship opportunities.

“Reaching 1,200 members marks more than an enrollment milestone; it represents the strength of the partnerships that define RJO,” said Sarah Streb, the organization’s CEO, in a statement. “Our retailers and vendor partners choose to work together, invest in one another, and build an organization where everyone can thrive.

“The patronage dividend, our shared buying programs, and the long-standing relationships within RJO all speak to the power of that collaboration,” Streb continued. “As we head toward our 60th anniversary, we remain focused on growing these partnerships and expanding opportunities for every member of our community.”

RJO will host its winter buying show in Phoenix from Feb. 20 to 23, 2026.

Top: A stack of Chris Ploof rings in hand-forged mixed-metal mokume gane and Damascus steel