Italian jewelry fashion brand Rebecca will finish the 2008 fiscal year with a 325 percent increase in sales, year-over-year, according to its U.S. distributor, Testi USA.

The brand also said it has increased its sales force this year, and its internal organization, and is expanding its U.S. distribution operations in Santa Monica to a new location that will be seven times the current space. The new location will be announced in the first quarter of 2009.

In addition the brand, which is distributed through independent high-end retailers and department stores, recently opened its first boutique in the U.S., in Beverly Hills, Calif. It’s the brand’s 14th freestanding store worldwide.

“This is such an exciting time for Rebecca,” says Agostino Magni, president of the brand in America. “Our stainless and gold-plated bronze jewelry is so innovative and bold that celebrities are going crazy for it, and retailers and their customers see it as a new material that is affordable but offers a great look—always fresh, vibrant and Italian.”

Rebecca was founded by Alessandro Testi in 1998 and owned by Testi S.p.A. It can be found in stores such as Fred Segal, Mednikow in Memphis, Polachecks in Los Angeles, James & Sons in Chicago, Tappers in Detroit, Kings in Miami, and Orr’s in Pittsburgh, as well as Bloomingdales and other independent high-end retailers.

Collections include the Tropezienne, Liberty series of charms in filigree, the very romantic Roma series, and the recently released Melrose series of oversized hoop earrings and bold rings. Rebecca changes collections seasonally. It is distributed in more than 30 countries.

Caption: Rebecca’s new Beverly Hills, Calif., boutique.

JCK