The Prime Jewelry Group has expanded its schedule of manufacturer-sponsored “trade events” to include four shows in four cities in September and October: Houston; Valley Forge, Pa.; Falls Church, Va.; and Dearborn, Mich.

Formed by 30 leading jewelry manufacturers in 2002, the Prime Jewelry Group launched these alternative trade events to offer a secure, personalized and convenient business environment for traveling jewelry salespeople and their customers.

“Last year alone $50,000,000 was stolen from traveling salespeople in our industry,” explains Carol Young, executive director, Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA), the organization the PJG tapped to produce and manage its events. “The PJG initially approached us to help combat statistics like these by creating a unique sales environment that would offer a safer alternative for traveling sales people and a comfortable and private setting for their customers to view complete lines and place orders. The attending retailers were so pleased with the concept, the hospitality, the product selection and the personal attention they received at our two events in 2002 that we’ve expanded the schedule to offer this service to retailers in other cities as well.”

The Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company has endorsed the Prime Jewelry Group and signed on as a show sponsor.

“As an industry we have an obligation to reduce the danger that salespeople face and to keep costs affordable,” said Ron Harder, president/CEP, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company. “Everyone loses when a salesperson is robbed on the road. Everyone gains when we find safe alternatives.”

As invitation-only events, these traveling functions bring the 30 PJG vendors together in a luxury hotel ballroom for a two-day time period. Select retailers from the area are invited by PJG vendors to come to these exclusive showings. As part of the private environment, these retailers enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch and cocktails and receive a $100 gift certificate to redeem on any of the orders they place at the event when they pre-register.

“It’s essentially a reverse sales call that is both highly personal and highly secure,” said David Ethier, president, PJG. “So we’ve added the nice extras like meals and cocktails to show our appreciation to retailers who take the time from their stores to come to us to explore our outstanding selection and help keep our salespeople safe.”

All lines showcased in the PJG show are complimentary of one other, PJG says. Vendors include: Aaura, Alwand Vahan, Aurafin-OroAmerica, Aurum Design, Britannia Bridal/B & N, Breuning, Brokoe,/Cristain Geneve, Camelot Bridal, Chatham Created Gems, Candela, Color Craft, Dangler Studios, David Connolly, Inc, Dazzlers, Elma Gil, Global Diamond, H Weiss Co., Hot Diamonds, Idaho Opal, Imperial Pearl, JR Gold/ Rina Limor Designs, Jenny Perl for JMP, Jewel Trends, Jewels by Jack, KC Designs, Mercury Ring, Michael Werdiger Inc. /Claar, Ostbye & Anderson, Overnight Mountings, and Sunstone.

The 2003 PJG schedule of events is as follows:

HOUSTON
Intercontinental Hotel
2222 West Loop South
Houston Sept. 14, 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

VALLEY FORGE, PA
In conjunction with PJA Business Expo 2003
Radisson Hotel, Valley Forge Convention Center
1160 First Avenue
King of Prussia
Sept. 21, 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FALLS CHURCH, VA.
Marriott Fairview Park
3111 Fairview Park Drive
Oct. 12, 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

DEARBORN, MI.
The Ritz Carlton Dearborn
Fairlane Plaza, 300 Town Center Drive
Oct. 19, 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information on the Prime Jewelry Group events, call 800.241.0399.

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