FA L L 2009 T h e je w e l ry b o o k bro m s ta d pu bl i s hin g in c .

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 Simply Irresistible

48 WEST 48TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10036

TEL: 212/819.0850 800/356.3192 FAX: 212/302.3874
INFO@GEMPLAT.COM WWW.GEM-PLATINUM.COM SHOWS: NEW YORK CENTURION PREMIERE LAS VEGAS
3

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 Simply
Simply Irresistible
Irresistible

48
48 W
WEST
EST 48
48TH
TH SSTREET
TREET NNEW
EW YYORK
ORK,, NY
NY 10036
10036
TTEL
EL:: 212/819.0850
212/819.0850 800/356.3192
800/356.3192 FFAX AX:: 212/302.3874
212/302.3874
4

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 Simply
Simply Irresistible
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INFO@
INFO @GEMPLAT
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PLATINUM..COM
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HOWS:: N
NEW
EW Y
YORK
ORK C
CENTURION
ENTURION PPREMIERE
REMIERE LLAS
AS V
VEGAS
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AM
© 2009 NACE Marketing, New York, All Rights Reserved.

If dreams came in shapes…

Crisscut ® Diamond *
* Welcome the newest member of the Crisscut ® Family The Patent Pending
121 Facet Crisscut ® Round Fancy Brilliant Natural Diamond exclusively by Christopher Designs
For an Authorized Jeweler in Your Area Call: 1.800.955.0970 or www.christopherdesigns.com
© 2009 NACE Marketing, New York, All Rights Reserved.

If dreams came in shapes…

Crisscut ® Diamond *
* Welcome the newest member of the Crisscut ® Family The Patent Pending
121 Facet Crisscut ® Round Fancy Brilliant Natural Diamond exclusively by Christopher Designs
For an Authorized Jeweler in Your Area Call: 1.800.955.0970 or www.christopherdesigns.com
 Katharine
James
Say Hello to the Black Tie Bow
One glance at a photograph of a bride in her wedding gown was all it took to
inspire a new collection from Katharine James. “Her dress was backless and had a
bow on the lower part of the back” explains Katharine, “and covered buttons going
all the way down. I started sketching a bow, and then came a necklace, and
that’s where Black Tie Bow™ was born.”
By Amy Gurvitz
Cover

The one-of-a-kind necklace, along with a coordi- “That was the concept. I pictured the bride walk-
On The

nating pearl and diamond ring, will be available ing down the aisle with the pearls in front, and in
exclusively at Zadok Jewelers back is the drama of the bow
in Houston this fall, and and the diamonds trailing
additional pieces will be in- down.”
troduced shortly thereafter. After the wedding, or per-
Featuring over six carats of haps as soon as the ceremony
diamonds, a strand of sizeable ends, the bride can turn the
pearls, and a heavy silk taffeta piece around and wear the bow
sash—given to the buyer in in the front or off to one side,
both white and black for if she so desires. “She can be
versatility—the necklace, says demure going down the aisle,
Katharine, is a “statement and after the wedding, take off
piece.” her veil and move the bow
It’s a statement tailor-made to the front,” says Katharine.
for a fashion-forward bride “From there on out, it’s some-
who wants to add flair to her thing you can wear on New
wedding-day look without Year’s Eve, holidays, or to any
throwing tradition to the black-tie event.”
wind. When the bride walks Johnson & Johnson heir-
down the aisle, it appears as ess Casey Johnson recently
though she is wearing a classic borrowed the Black Tie
strand of pearls. With the sash Bow™ necklace and, with
and diamonds on the nape of the black sash in front,
her neck, only after she passes by does the mag- wore it with a pair of jeans. “It was a chic-hip
nificence of the piece become evident to others. look, yet so elegant,” says Katharine. “You
“It’s meant to be a subtle look in the front, and a can do a lot with this piece. You tell the piece
dramatic look in the back,” says the designer. what to do.” ■

14
Jewelry by Katharine James.
 Photo: Peter S. Hurst; Art Director: Shelby Erickson

the iv y cuff

For the authorized Charles Krypell retailer nearest you please call 1.800.487.8765
or visit us online at www.charleskrypell.com

Krypell_TJBFall09.indd 2-3
Photo: Peter S. Hurst; Art Director: Shelby Erickson

the midnight, soleil and mocha

diamond pavé collection

For the authorized Charles Krypell retailer nearest you please call 1.800.487.8765
or visit us online at www.charleskrypell.com

10/12/09 11:46 AM
 Designs © DEHAGO ®. All rights reserved. Photo: Igor Perchuk. Art Direction: Liliana Dones creativetoolsinc@aol.com

DH_JB_BFall2009.indd 1
www.dehago.com
Toll Free: (877) 771-4246
 10/27/09 12:42:53 PM
Designs © DEHAGO ®. All rights reserved. Photo: Igor Perchuk. Art Direction: Liliana Dones creativetoolsinc@aol.com

Toll Free: (877) 771-4246

www.dehago.com
Designs © DEHAGO ®. All rights reserved. Photo: Igor Perchuk. Art Direction: Liliana Dones creativetoolsinc@aol.com

M organite
by

THE FUTURE OF FINE JEWELRY

Designs © MAKUR DESIGNS ®. All rights reserved. Made in the USA.

A Perfect Match
Makur’s Morganite Collection
Designs © MAKUR DESIGNS ®. All rights reserved. Made in the USA.

in their signature 18k rose gold

is set with diamonds that harmonize
the balance of color and design.
Please visit us at
Luxury by JCK Salon, booth 900 & JCK Las Vegas, booth LC15083
Las Vegas Luxury Salon, 705
JA New York, Las Vegas 1626
booth Luxury
JCK 16108 Luxury Pavillion
JCK Luxury Pavillion
For appointments,
New Yorkcall
JA Toll-free
Show 1638 877-771-4246
Inner Circle
New York JA Show Inner Circle
Toll-free:
dehago.com 877-77-MAKUR
Toll-free: 877-77-MAKUR
www.makurdesigns.com
www.makurdesigns.com

DehagoJEWELRYBOOK0509-opt2.indd 1 5/19/09 5:06:59 PM MAK_MorganiteJew

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SES 0
 M organite
by

THE FUTURE OF FINE JEWELRY

A Perfect Match
Makur’s Morganite Collection
Designs © MAKUR DESIGNS ®. All rights reserved. Made in the USA.

in their signature 18k rose gold

is set with diamonds that harmonize
the balance of color and design.

Las Vegas Luxury Salon, 705

JCK 16108 Luxury Pavillion
New York JA Show 1638 Inner Circle
Toll-free: 877-77-MAKUR
www.makurdesigns.com

Perfect Twogether TM

Two partners in Business, one commitment, joined Twogether in success.

w w w.perfect-twogether.com w w w.sescreations.com 1.800.272.8737

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 A New
beginning...
JB Star

Welcome to our fall bridal issue, celebrating some of the industry’s

most stunning designs in wedding-day jewelry, wedding bands,
and, of course, engagement rings. With the holidays and prime
engagement season fast approaching, it’s time to start gearing up
for the all-important fourth-quarter selling season. While this
time of year has always played a key role in a business’ success, in
this especially challenging year it is essential to take full advan-
tage of engagement season and end 2009 on a positive note.
VIEW

This issue also marks the debut of our “Made in America”

PU BL I S H E RS

section, which will feature some of the best and brightest

companies that design and manufacture their jewelry right here
in the United States. In keeping with the theme, in this issue
we’ve chosen to focus on bridal jewelry designers.
The engagement and holiday season presents retailers and
designers with the opportunity to turn first-time buyers into
clients for life, and we hope you find this magazine to be a help-
ful selling tool.
John and I wish you and your families a healthy and joyous
holiday season, and look forward to working with you in the
New Year.

John & Nicole Bromstad

Publishers
The JEWELRY Book

Contributors
Jessica Teisch, Amy Gurvitz, Diana S. Zimmerman,
Victoria Gomelsky, Bruce Pucciarello, Michael O’Connor,
Patti Matthews, James Garrahan, Ronnie Tsai,
Petra M. Eagle, Audra Presler, Shelby Erickson.

22

09-547
 P L E A S E V I S I T U S AT W W W. P R E C I S I O N S E T. C O M O R C A L L 8 0 0 4 4 2 5 6 9 3

09-547 Precision Set Ad.indd 2 10/13/09 1:59:53 PM

 1.800.356.7543 WWW.ATARAJEWELRY.COM

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15933
 FOR A LOVE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

Proud to say, Made in the USA.

48 South Day Street, Orange, NJ 07050

Tel: 973-676-9090 • Fax: 973-676-9488 • service@lieberfarb.com
www.lieberfarb.com

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 WWW.CHRISTIANBAUER.US

38:59 PM
 Table of
contents
32 Made In America 
A new way to think about Made in America.

48 Platinum’s 10 tips 
The top 10 reasons why platinum bridal jewelry is a hot ticket for the holidays.

52 SES Creations
With their tagline, “classics never fade away,” SES Creations believes that
jewelry should last a lifetime.
FALL 2 0 0 9

14 Katharine James “On The Cover”

22 Publisher’s View & Contributors
CONTENTS

30 Giving Back
44 Season to Season
56 Monica Rich Kosann
58 The Jewelry Box
64 Trends & Views

on the cover
Jewelry: Katharine James 877.752.8479
Photographer: James Garrahan

The Jewelry Book, a division of Bromstad Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 2017, Sonoma, CA, 95476.
Tel: 707-996-3313. No editorial or photography may be reproduced in any way – in print internet
or otherwise – without the written consent of Bromstad Publishing, Inc.

28

Kath
 ‘Bella’s Love’ ™
ALL DESIGNS © 2009 KATHARINE JAMES, INC. LOS ANGELES, CA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PHOTO: IGOR PERCHUK

www.KatharineJames.com 877.752.8479
◆

KatharineJames_TJBFall09.indd 1 10/12/09 1:22 PM

 Giving
Back
Siempre Sol, a nonprofit organization in Honduras with a workshop specializing
in unique, handcrafted jewelry, translates in English to “always sunny.” Under Peter Storm
Jeweler’s sales and marketing leadership, the organization shines even brighter.
by Jessica Teisch

“There’s an old saying,” says Anne Storm, president of Peter Storm

Jewelry. “If you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for that day. But if you teach
him to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.” That principle guides Peter Storm’s
charitable philosophy. For many years, the San Francisco-based bridal and
fashion jeweler has been giving back to the community. Recently,
Peter Storm, under Anne’s leadership, assumed the role of sales and
marketing directors for Siempre Sol, a nonprofit organization located in
Honduras that specializes in handcrafting whimsical jewelry designed
and sourced in the United States.
“The idea of us working with Siempre Sol developed when we had
lunch with our longtime friend and jewelry designer Louisa Elliott,” says
Anne. Serving as design director, Louisa fell in love with the indigenous
arts and crafts, including lenca pottery—a low-temperature, burnished
and hand-molded pottery that reflects unique ethnic traditions and
contemporary creativity. She incorporated that element into the jewelry
design as she worked with and taught the women engaged in the work-
shops at Siempre Sol. “It’s quite amazing when you look at the intricate
work these women do,” exclaims Anne. The collection thus far—necklaces,
earrings and bracelets—are playful and whimsical in their mix of colors,
textures and materials, from semi-precious stones to art glass, pearls, ster-
ling silver and lenca pottery. The necklaces are hand knotted on materials
The Jewelry Book such as silk, waxed linen and leather. “This is just the beginning of the
magazine recognizes collection,” stresses Anne. “It will evolve and become more specialized as
we work together.”
the many jewelry
Peter Storm Jewelry is playing an indispensable role in expanding the
companies involved collection and ensuring that it reaches the widest audience possible in the
with charitable United States. CEO Peter Storm and Anne are providing marketing exper-
organizations.
tise, setting up a sales network and interfacing with stores. The Storms are
also seeking a national partner to help build the Siempre Sol brand. “It
To acknowledge
makes sense,” says Anne, “because we know the jewelry industry, and this is
numerous worthwhile something important that we can do for others. Simply by selling this beau-
causes, each issue tiful jewelry, we can change people’s lives. That’s a real satisfying feeling.”
The larger goal is for Siempre Sol to become the first nonprofit to self-fund,
features a designer,
providing support for three clinics and paying fair-trade wages. The hope is
manufacturer or that Siempre Sol will become a model for other non-profits worldwide.
retailer alongside “Peter and I both think that working with Siempre Sol is a fabulous way
that person’s
to give back by using our knowledge and skills to help others,” says Anne.
“This is a beautiful collection, alive with texture, color and fun.” Jewelry has
selected charity.
thus provided a way to bestow blessings on less fortunate people. “Our senti-
ment,” concludes Anne, “ is that people will feel great about wearing this
handmade jewelry, and supporting families.” With the Siempre Sol and
Peter Storm partnership, the world contains many more rays of hope. ■
30

TJB_S
TJB_tem
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TJB Fal
 WHAT
YOUR CUSTOMERS
DESERVE...

For Her– For Him–

Pure. Precious. Rare. Eternal. Magnificent. Robust. Resilient. Distinguished.

Platinum.
END OF STORY.

888.668.3551
www.novelldesignstudio.com

The Best Choice.

23 23

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 T he U. S . Je w el r y M a n u fac t u r er
A new way to think about Made in America

MADE IN AMERICA OR

M.I.A.?
Now let me tell you quickly about my good friend Frankie. Since we were
teenagers, he has only bought domestic cars. Buying American, he says, symbolizes his
patriotism. He bought his new 2009 Jeep Wrangler because it’s made in America.
Unfortunately, most consumer guides rate the Jeep Wrangler very poorly when it comes
to safety and reliability. Two months later with the rain teaming, his Wrangler dropped
america

a tailpipe on the local highway. Legions of Toyotas and

Nissans hydroplaned by, the waves of water cascading over Frankie’s now soaking-wet
shoes. You might ask him how patriotic he was feeling at that moment, but the real
m a d e in

point is that, sometimes, inferior products are made in America.

By Bruce Pucciarello

It starts with the ineffective auto executives who make
more money than most of us can comprehend. They
negotiate unrealistic contracts with labor unions.
Management and labor are so busy splitting the spoils,
they forget to leave money for research, development and
capital improvements. They forget to work. They forget
to make good cars. They forget that the public can’t drive
a slogan - there must be a tangible product behind the
slogan. Doesn’t sound American, or patriotic, to me.
America began losing its dominance as a manufactur-
ing powerhouse in 1973, and that was when public
perception of the slogan made in America changed. Before
1973, Americans considered most imported products
to be lacking in quality. With the oil embargo of
1973 came escalating gas prices. For the next eight
years, the world’s supply of oil was inconsistent.
Rationing and out-of-gas signs at the pump
were commonplace. Sometimes we sat in our
cars waiting for hours to get ten gallons of
gas. Car brands that had been the punch line of
Novell jokes, like Toyota and Datsun, compared favorably to
the small cars that American manufacturers
were producing. Foreign cars were small-boned
and fit their frame. The technology seemed suited to
Susan Sadler
the car’s size. American-made small cars were merely
smaller versions of larger cars. Enough people began
preferring the foreign vehicles, so that collectively, America
decided imported stuff wasn’t so bad after all. The words
made in America rang hollow.
Fast forward to 2009. Once again you see the words
made in America in ads and on packaging. But the mantra
made in America needs to be quantifiable and not
just another marketing ploy. My friend Frank buys the
American product because he thinks it’s good for the
country. I buy American products that are well-made,
reliable and thus good for me. That way, I feel like I’m
encouraging good American companies to prosper.
IN MY MADE IN AMERICA . . .
My made in America is domestic jewelry manufacturing.
My made in America is the tradition of manufacturing
companies providing an alternative-training field to college.

32
m a d e in america

33
 I learned almost everything that I know by Therefore, it turns out that, unlike in
working in factories, and then owning and other industries, made in America jewelry
managing a manufacturing company. At ev- isn’t M.I.A. However, manufacturers need
ery level, the people who work in the manu- to proactively inform retailers about made
facturing sector get experience problem solv- in America excellence. Retailers should
ing, setting and achieving goals. But every seek out the manufacturers that represent
year there are less American manufacturers. the highest made in America standards.
In the last thirty years, with a growing popu- Made in America jewelry has always
lation, we’ve lost 7.5 million manufacturing been there as a profitable product
jobs.* to be sold with confidence.
Alex Sepkus
Whether we are tackling large national
problems or making our own day-to-day WHO MAKES WHAT WHERE? Superfit
business decisions, supporting our better So, how would a retailer know who
domestic-jewelry manufacturers is not only makes what where? Most retailers are very
patriotic, but good business. The knowledgeable about which of
best manufacturers and retailers their current products are
are providing and expecting domestic and which are
products of superior design, imported. The information
originality, quality and service. that is harder for them to find
Today, most American-made is an industry-wide overview
jewelry comes from the hands of the types of products they
of our most highly skilled buy and what is available on
artisans. We use some of the the market from domestics or
most sophisticated equipment from outsourcers. With that
america

available. We are as adept at knowledge, a retailer could

advancing the technologies choose in advance to explore
involved as any country and relationships that he knows are
ma d e in

more capable of using it than made in America.

most. We are one of the world For the next few issues, The
leaders in jewelry design Jewelry Book will be featuring
and innovation. Through good the best domestic manufactur-
times and bad times, Ameri- ers of jewelry today. These are
Katharine James Precision Set
cans have been designing and American jewelry manufactur-
manufacturing excellent jew- ers that have one thing in com-
Mark Patterson
elry; in today’s economy, that mon: Pride. These are compa-
puts the American jewelry manufacturer nies that I’m proud to share an industry
in the perfect position to give the retailer a with. They make and service the product
better option. here, they are good at it, and they are
With a good American manufacturer, always trying to get better. The Jewelry Book
communication and reaction time is and jewelrybook.com will provide easy
quicker. Problem solving is fast because access for retailers who want to find these
days aren’t lost communicating across companies. Editorials, articles and product
time zones. More and more, American features will introduce you to some compa-
jewelry manufacturers are customization- nies you don’t know and give a clearer defi-
capable, offering rapid turnaround on cus- nition of companies that you might already
tomized product. be familiar or doing business with.
A good U.S. manufacturer knows their As it all comes together, this will be a
competition and tells their customers collection of jewelry that is as diverse as it
when it does and does not make sense to is national. Isn’t that the beauty of America?
John Buechner
do business together. At the risk of sound- It isn’t what melts in the melting pot, but Jack Abraham
ing cliché, relationships in business are what we cast from it.
critical. My experience is that the closer a *Kichen, Steve. “Made In America.”
retailer’s relationship is to where his prod- Forbes.Com (5-28-09): Online. Internet.
uct is made, the better. 9-13-09. Available forbes.com. ■

34
Made In America Gallery
h
MADE IN AMERICA is all
about starting relationships with those
important first-time jewelry purchasers
along with building on existing rela-
tionships. Our goal is to assist in the
selling and education of MADE IN
AMERICA wedding bands and
engagement rings, while emphasizing
name recognition for MADE IN
AMERICA jewelry. Our missions
remind the retailer that the MADE
IN AMERICA designer and manu-
facturer are always raising the bar of
quality, service and most importantly
unique designs.

Jack Kelége

35
 Jack Kelége é

Made
h
I A
n merica

877.653.5343
america

www.jackkelege.com

JB Star
m a d e in

800.223.2277
www.jbstar.com

36
Precision Set
Made
h
I A
n merica

800.442.5693

M A D E IN
www.precisionset.com

Novell

AMERICA
h

888.668.3551
www.novelldesignstudio.com

37
 John Buechner
Made
h
I A
n merica

800.541.2675
america

www.johnbuechner.com

Lieberfarb
m a d e in

973.676.9090
www.lieberfarb.com

38
Hoover & Strong
Made
h
I A
n merica

800.759.9997

M A D E IN
www.hooverandstrong.com

Gem Platinum

AMERICA
h

800.356.3192
www.gem-platinum.com

39
 Katharine James
h

877.752.8479
www.katharinejames.com
america

Alex Sepkus
m a d e in

212.391.8466
www.alexsepkus.com

40
 Buy Green.
Responsible. Recycled. Beautiful.

Buy HARMONY Metals and Gems™ from
Hoover & Strong and support the global effort
to preserve our planet’s future!
It’s no secret that metal mining contributes
to the destruction of the environment. In
fact, the production of one gold ring can create
over five tons of environmental waste.
Hoover & Strong DOES NOT buy or use
mined metals. We have recycled, refined
and produced all of our products for
over 95 years.
HARMONY metals share the exquisite
beauty and elegance of mined precious
metals but also have the added value of
being eco-friendly without additional cost.
Today’s jewelry consumers are looking for
“green” products. Now you can offer
them responsible, recycled and beautiful
jewelry made from HARMONY Metals
and Gems™.
Do your part to save the Earth, one
ounce at a time! Be sure to send in your
metal scrap for refining and save on your
next purchase!
To place your order for HARMONY
Metals and Gems™, call 800.759.9997
or go to www.hooverandstrong.com
for more information.

All Hoover & Strong Products are MADE IN AMERICA.

 A Pa s s i o n f o r E x c e l l e n c e
By Amy Gurvitz

Famed for their show-stopping stones and master crafts-

manship, the JB Star family has been at the forefront of the
high-end jewelry industry since the company’s inception in
1946. As their passion for jewelry still burns brightly, it’s
clear they’re just getting warmed up.
A passion for excellence is almost literally in the blood of
JB Star. The father of founder Rafael Fouzailoff was once
one of the largest manufacturers of loose diamonds in the
world, and instilled his only-the-best-will-do philosophy
Rafael Fouzailoff
into Rafael, who designs the JB Star collections and also
america

serves as a visionary to the entire industry.

1631-018
“What really stands out in our work is the attention to
detail, wearability and sophistication in the way things are
m a d e in

done,” says Rafael, who is continually enhancing and

fine-tuning his designs to best showcase the spectacular
diamonds and colored stones, including yellow diamonds,
pink and blue sapphires, rubies and emeralds for which his
company is renown. As has been done since the beginning,
each piece is expertly designed and skillfully crafted by
hand at JB Star’s headquarters in New York City.
Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind 11-carat yellow-diamond
engagement ring, an emerald-cut diamond bracelet or a
pair of radiant-cut pink sapphire and platinum earrings,
each JB Star creation is clearly a labor of love. “Jewelry is
our passion,” says Vice President David Abuloff. “You can 1190-003
5090-001
feel the passion in each one of our pieces.”

0143-001 4652-001

0884-012

42
 5089-001

4656-001

1339-025

1190-003

4652-001

0490-002

0490-001
5048-001

5047-001

43
 Ideal Love, Beauty And
Eternal Commitment Signifies

Platinum Simon G.

Since 1975, Platinum Guild International (PGI) has inspired a passion

for platinum by providing information, practical advice, support and expertise to
educate jewelry manufacturers, retailers and consumers about the superior qualities
of platinum. As it evaluates the market, advertises platinum and helps businesses
tap the eternal power of the platinum brand, PGI-USA has chosen to highlight
some of the leading manufacturers and retailers of platinum jewelry.
SEASON

The Jewelry Book spoke with Ronda Daily of Bremer Jewelry.

By Jessica Teisch
S E A S O N TO

More than 80 percent of brides-to-be desire platinum
engagement rings and wedding bands for one simple
reason: platinum signifies ideal love, beauty and eternal
commitment like no other precious metal.
With two retail stores in Peoria and
Bloomington, Illinois, Bremer Jewelry is a
platinum destination that commemorates
the most extraordinary occasions in peo-
ple’s lives. Bremer’s motto, “Where Central
Illinois Gets Engaged,” aptly captures the
jeweler’s dedication to superior customer
Tacori service, the highest-quality watches and fine
jewelry—with a focus on the bridal market—and, of
course, the education of sales staff and guests about the
eternal value of platinum.
Ronda Daily, Bremer’s managing owner and CEO, has
been carrying platinum since 1984, when they purchased
the Peoria store. Since then, Ronda has expanded the
stores’ platinum collections to cater to her guests’ desires.
Today, she carries top designers Hearts on Fire, Simon G.,
Tacori and Scott Kay, in addition to a unique signature
collection. “We love platinum because it’s the most
important, noble metal,” Ronda explains, “and because
it’s the ‘forever’ metal to match your eternal marriage.”
Ronda’s grandmother, married for 68 years, wore her
platinum ring for 64 years before she had to have a dia-
mond replaced, which “speaks very highly of the metal,”
Ronda laughs. Today’s platinum designs are just as dura-
ble. Tacori’s bead set, hand engraved platinum engage-
ment ring, for example, is very popular, but Ronda cau-
tions that in any other metal it just isn’t as crisp or as
durable. “Their designs are perfect in platinum,” she exclaims.
Bremer’s 30-person staff is well trained in selling the
merits of platinum to prospective guests. When soon-to-
be grooms enter the store, sales associates tell them, “You
found the perfect woman, now let’s find the perfect
engagement ring,” says Ronda. “And platinum is the best
of the best.” Most of Bremer’s prestigious designers pro-
vide virtually every piece in platinum. And by presenting
men with choices in 14-karat and 18-karat gold alongside
platinum (their newly expanded Wedding-Ring Gallery
within the stores is just finished and ready), sales

44
 By the time the man has chosen his platinum engagement
ring—any piece can be special ordered—“we know how
he’ll propose,” says Ronda.
associates can explain the disparity between metals
and men can actually feel the difference. Indeed, Bremer
Jewelry creates an entire experience for the prospective
groom and his bride. By the time the man has chosen his
platinum engagement ring—any piece can be special
ordered—“we know how he’ll propose,” says Ronda.
Bremer’s provides him with a gift basket containing cham-
pagne, champagne flutes and a chocolate cake to mark the
special occasion and create the most beautiful moment he
can. Bremer’s also has a prosperous online business for
men already versed in platinum’s qualities; men regularly
purchase significant diamonds set in platinum from the
Web site. “He knows that’s what she desires,” says
Ronda. “Women want platinum, and when she’s happy,
he’s happy.”
Bremer’s extensive sales training programs and partner-
ships contribute to its successful platinum sales. “We’re
very committed to carrying and selling platinum and
doing the training it takes for sales,” says Ronda, “in order
to convey to guests the superior benefits of platinum.”
Weekly sales meetings reinforce product training. Ronda
Hearts On Fire
45
S E A S O N TO
A Jaffe
SEASON
regularly invites industry experts, such as Terry Sisco of
PGI-USA and representatives from Tacori and Scott Kay,
to spend time in the store, help the sales staff understand
the beauty and longevity of platinum and advertise its
qualities to a larger audience. Bremer’s longstanding
partnership with PGI has been particularly instrumental
in the store’s successful platinum sales; PGI provides
Bremer’s with materials including videos that are played
on flat screens within the store and brochures to help edu-
cate consumers about platinum’s eternal qualities. Indeed,
PGI has been key in helping owners, managers and sales
staff to serve guests in the best way possible. “When you’re
in a small industry such as ours,” stresses Ronda, “you
need strong relationships with industry leaders like PGI.”
In the end, Bremer’s goal is to provide the most extraordi-
nary guest shopping experience that it can—and help
couples forge a beautiful, long-lasting marriage. ■
SAVE THE DATES
January 30-February 3, 2010 | Tucson, Arizona
INFO @ C EN TUR I ONJEWELRY. COM / WWW.CE NT URIONJE WE L RY.COM / 1.888.427.4697 / 5 16. 3 77. 5 909

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Ads.indd 2 10/8/09 11:28:25 AM
 Striking the
White Note The top 10 reasons why platinum bridal jewelry is a
hot ticket for the holidays
Rhonda Faber Green
By Victoria Gomelsky

Bridal and Wedding Events

Now is the perfect time to promote platinum jewelry to bridal customers.
Purer, rarer and more durable than any other jewelry metal, platinum is a
retailer’s best bet for guaranteed profits. Don’t believe us? Consider these
points.

1. An expanded selection of bridal jewelry is like an insurance policy

against recession
Jewelers with a wide selection of bridal jewelry have weathered the storm
better than those who don’t sell bridal thanks to this oft-repeated truism:
Shaesby
People are still getting married. If the key to making sales is offering a big
assortment, then the same goes for platinum inventory. Research based on
the Platinum Guild International’s (PGI) mystery shopping program shows
that retailers almost double the likelihood of making a platinum sale over
other metals when they carry a wider selection of platinum styles in their
showcases.

2. It’s high time to take advantage of the lifting economy

Amid signs that markets have taken a turn for the better, pundits have
begun to declare “green shoots.” This is music to the ears of retailers, particu-
larly now as we head into the all-important fourth quarter. The next three
months are your opportunity to minimize the losses of 2009. Don’t forget
that one-third of all engagements happen between Thanksgiving and
Sasha Primak
Valentine’s Day, with December reigning as the most popular month to get
engaged. If ever there was a time to dive into the bridal category, this is it.

3. Bridal customers are young, optimistic and, therefore, willing to

spend more money
Even in tough economic times, the bridal consumer is young and still very
optimistic about the future. Less concerned about falling 401Ks than those
Bulgari who are already married, the typical bridal customer spends more money on
engagement and wedding rings. According to the 2009 Brides.com American
Wedding Study, the current average cost of an engagement ring is $6,348, a
43% increase over 2006’s average cost of $4,435.

48

TJB_S
15939
 FOR A LOVE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

Proud to say, Made in the USA.

48 South Day Street, Orange, NJ 07050

Tel: 973-676-9090 • Fax: 973-676-9488 • service@lieberfarb.com
www.lieberfarb.com

TJB_Summer2009pgs32-35.indd 35 7/21/09 1:12:09 PM

15939Lieberfarb-JewBook.indd 1 7/21/09 2:51:47 PM
 4. Gold and platinum prices are virtually on par—this won’t last forever
Over the past year, gold and platinum have danced a tango on the com-
modities markets, their prices remaining within a few hundred dollars of
each other. That, however, isn’t to suggest they have the same value. Platinum
is 30 times more rare than gold, and therefore, a considerably better value to
consumers now. Only a small step up is required to get the consumer the very
best in metals.

5. Platinum’s intrinsic value is worth talking about

PGI’s mystery shopping program found that when sales associates describe
platinum as “pure,” “the best” and “worth the price,” and confidently show
platinum to a customer as a first choice, they more than double their odds of
making the sale.

6. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to nab a customer for life

Michael C. Fina Once a customer has stepped up to platinum, research suggests they’re three
times more likely to buy platinum again. Therefore, by expanding your selec-
tion of platinum bridal, you can capture a customer and keep them coming
back at a higher transaction price all through their lifetime. According to PGI’s
mystery shopping program, when sales associates encourage the customer to
look at platinum wedding bands during the engagement ring sale, the propen-
sity for that customer to return to that store increases by six-and-a-half times
and the customer is three times more likely to consider the purchase.

7. Selling one platinum ring is like selling three

PGI’s top tip to beat the recession with your platinum business is to
take back the wedding by looking at the engagement ring transaction as the
perfect moment to capitalize on additional sales. In other words, two people
equals three platinum rings. PGI recommends that after selling a platinum
engagement ring to him, you invite both the bride and groom to the store for
the wedding-band purchase.

8. A platinum sale earns more incremental dollars

Margins in the retail jewelry business are tight across the board, but
platinum’s higher transaction price means that selling a piece of platinum
bridal jewelry brings in more incremental dollars. And let’s face it, earning
more dollars is the point. In other words, get out of the jewelry business and
into the “business of jewelry.” Analyze your sales by metal type; analyze mar-
gin dollars, not percentages and target value, not volume.

9. There is now more affordable platinum jewelry in the market than

ever before
When the platinum price teetered above $2,000 per ounce, designers with
foresight knew that consumers still wanted the very best metal for their long-
term fine jewelry purchases. They started to look at creative manufacturing
methods, stone-setting methods and gemstone choices to provide the high
quality of platinum 950 to their customers at accessible prices. These styles
Sasha Primak
are phenomenal bargains for retailers looking to build customers for life by
accessorizing brides with entry-level platinum pieces. Stuller, for example,
offers platinum and diamond pendants that retail for approximately $600.

10. Carpe diem!

Right now, all signs point to a favorable retail climate for the upcoming
holiday. Jewelers with a significant platinum investment stand to reap the
greatest rewards. ■

50
 The Jewelry Book ISSUE: FALL Specs: 9 x 10.875 MATERIALS: PDF/X1A
585 Fifth Street West Sonoma Ca 95476 • phone/fax 707 996-3313 • email: jbromstad@yahoo.com

This isn’t about optimists or pessimists. This is about realists.

“While the state of the global economy has taken a toll on most Americans,
there’s one group that is more optimistic than ever–today’s bride.”
-Bloomberg.com Feb 2009

“...instead of reducing their budgets, engaged couples have reprioritized and

plan to spend their dollars on items that will last forever.”
-Modern Bride Magazine Survey Jan 2009

“By communicating the intrinsic value of Platinum to the customer,

manufacturers and retailers are taking advantage of this trend towards ‘quality over quantity.’”
-National Jeweler Aug 2008

Find out why bridal is the place to be. And platinum is the metal to have.
www.platinumguild.com has tactics for attracting the one group of
consumers that, no matter what, will be shopping this year.

AGENCY: The Shand Group, Chris Weakley 805 969 1068 PRODUCTION CONTACT: Melissa Helvey 818 242 2427
ADVERTISER: PGI ISSUE: The Jewelry Book, FALL
 SES
CreationsWith their tagline, “classics never fade away,” SES Creations believes that
jewelry should last a lifetime. A focus on quality, value and customer service
ensures that SES Creations’ jewelry fulfills that aim.
By Jessica Teisch Big Love Collection

For two decades, SES Creations, under the leadership of

PROFILE

Shlomo Elias, president and owner, has been designing an

impressive range of bridal, diamond and precious-stone
jewelry, from pendants to earrings, bracelets and one-of-a-
DESIGNER

kind rings. Based in the heart of New York City’s diamond

district, SES Creations values its longtime tradition of
updating classic designs using the highest-quality materials
and unsurpassed craftsmanship, providing uncompromis-
ing customer service and offering exceptional value.
Since founding SES Creations in 1990 with his wife
Sarit (“SES” stands for “Shlomo and Sarit Elias”), Shlomo
has put a premium on customer service. He has found that
the key to a thriving business is building solid, long-lasting
Perfect Twogether Collection
partnerships with customers, all of whom he knows by
name. “The success of my customers is a direct reflection
on me, and vice versa,” he says. “I partner with each one of
my customers. We work together.” SES Creations makes
anything possible, including special orders that can be
delivered in as little as two days. And, with every single
piece of jewelry manufactured right in the New York office,
Shlomo takes a very hands-on approach to each piece;
every order, backed with quality assurance and triple-
checked, passes his discerning eye before it reaches the
customer. Shlomo and his staff also cater to customers and
retailers via the Web. Recently, the company launched a
new Web site for retail jewelers, who can find the company’s
entire collection online, including pricing, pictures and
gemstone weight information. Bridal customers can use the
site to locate retailers near them.
SES Creations’ success also lies within its innovative
collections, which focus on bridal. In 2007, the company

52

“Jewelry is my passion. I love making beautiful pieces,”
says Shlomo. He and his talented staff, through expert
craftsmanship and superior customer service, succeed in designing
“classics that never fade away.”
introduced its first designer line, Sarit Bridal, which won
an international award from JCK Magazine. Then, in
early 2009, SES Creations launched its Perfect Twogether
Collection, which has created enthusiasm nationwide and
represents the most exciting collection in SES Collections’
bridal category to date. Catering to the sophisticated cou-
ple and symbolizing unity and strength between the bride
and a groom, Perfect Twogether presents elegant engage-
ment rings and weddings bands that fit perfectly together,
just like a newlywed couple. The collection features classic
three-stone styles with matching bands, all crafted to
perfection in various styles, sizes and metals, from 14- and
18-karat gold to platinum. Styles range from the tradi-
tional, such as round, princess cuts and emerald cuts, to
fancier cuts like the Asscher and cushion. Even the shank
can be made to order—brides-to-be can choose plain,
pave- or channel-set diamonds. All engagement rings will
fit snugly against any wedding band in the collection.
Besides possessing fine craftsmanship and beauty, these
bridal sets offer great value to couples—which is one rea-
son why retailers all over the United States have embraced
the collection during these economic times.
SES Creations might be best known for its bridal
collections, but Shlomo’s other designs also cater to
sophisticated, fun-loving women desiring a mix of the
classic and trendy. The company recently launched
another collection, Big Love, featuring oversized diamond
pendants crafted in various metals, including gold, white
gold, rose gold and platinum. The whimsical geometric
shapes—from ovals to triangles, crosses and hearts—
make for whimsical, classy gifts. Shlomo also designed the
53
Aura Collection
designer
Aura collection, which bears the slogan, “Objects may
appear larger than they actually are.” These new styles
were inspired by a client who desired a large diamond stud
at a reasonable price point. The pieces in the collection,
profile
which started with a diamond stud surrounded by pave
diamonds and quickly expanded to pendants, drop
earrings and center stones ringed by smaller diamonds,
give the illusion of a much larger center diamond or gem.
Like Perfect Twogether and SES Creations’ other collec-
tions, both Big Love and Aura offer exquisite jewelry at
price points that belie their superior craftsmanship, mate-
rials and designs.
With its classic, traditional look combined with refined,
updated styling, SES Creations’ jewelry appeals to a wide
range of consumers, from young, just-engaged couples to
more sophisticated women. “Jewelry is my passion. I love
making beautiful pieces,” says Shlomo. He and his tal-
ented staff, through expert craftsmanship and superior
customer service, succeed in designing “classics that never
fade away.” ■
Sarit Bridal Collection
 42 west
42 west 48th48th
42 west
48th Street, ## 1102
Street,
Street, 1102 New
# 1102
New York,
New NYNY
York,
York, NY 10036 T:T:
10036T:
10036 212.869.5070 F:F:212.944.7114
212.869.5070F:
212.869.5070 212.944.7114
212.944.7114
www.rudolffriedmann.com
www.rudolffriedmann.com
www.rudolffriedmann.com info@ruddolffriedmann.com
info@ruddolffriedmann.com
info@ruddolffriedmann.com

TJB_Summer2009pgs22-27.indd 26 R.Friedm
7/21/09 10:25:50 AM TJBSpring
R.Friedm
TJB_S
TJBSpring
 42 West
42 West 48th
48th Street,
Street, #1102
#1102 New
New York,
York, NY
NY 10036
10036 T:
T: 212.869.5070
212.869.5070 F:
F: 212.944.7114
212.944.7114
www.rudolffriedmann.com info@rudolffriedmann.com
www.rudolffriedmann.com info@rudolffriedmann.com

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 Monica Rich Kosann
Guilt Free
LuxuryIn an era when many high-end brands are struggling, Kosann’s guiltless approach to
luxury heirloom lockets, charms and image cases is creating a sensation.
By Diana S. Zimmerman
PROFILE
Award-winning designer, photographer, author and
entrepreneur extraordinaire Monica Rich Kosann says
DESIGNER
she’s not in the fashion business, but in the business of
making memories—the kind people love, cherish and,
most importantly, buy—both for themselves and as gifts.
“I create image pieces in both 18-karat gold and sterling
silver that are intended to become heirlooms,” Kosann
explains. “Ones that husbands give to wives, mothers will
hand down to daughters, grandmothers to grandchildren.
They are timeless keepsakes that are designed to preserve
the images of those we love.” For some, it’s a photograph
of a child, for others, a beloved pet, a lock of hair, or a
memory. But for everyone, it’s an accessory that is both
eternal and, because of its very personal nature, priceless.
“My lockets are also mysterious,” she states. “They con-
tain secrets. You can choose to share what’s inside—or
not. And you don’t have to just wear one piece. They can
be layered with other jewelry, a favorite charm, coral beads,
or a diamond necklace. They look as good with a pair of
jeans as they do a fabulous gown.”
For these reasons, Kosann refers to her collections as
guilt-free purchases—the sort of upscale gift you can buy
for yourself, or give as a gift without feeling extravagant or
frivolous. Be it an 18-karat-gold and diamond double-
image locket or an engraved sterling silver charm bracelet,
her jewelry has captured the minds and hearts of people of
all ages and walks of life. Celebrities such as Catherine
Zeta-Jones, Madonna and Katie Holmes keep their loved
ones near in their favorite lockets and charms. Brides wear
56
Kosann’s pieces as they walk down the aisle, and also give
them as gifts to their bridesmaids. Her bracelets celebrate
the uniqueness of an individual’s life by telling the per-
son’s story in gold or silver charms. Even men are getting
into the act, wearing her fobs on leather straps.
“The pieces have a great feeling about them,” she says.
“They’re substantial and beautifully crafted.” As with
everything Kosann designs and produces, her attention to
detail is extraordinary. So is the thought behind it. The
Gate collection reminds one of peering through an ornate
gate to catch a glimpse of what’s inside. The locket
features two single-image cases finished with MRK’s
signature floral pattern and five diamonds. Her “Forever
Faithful” engravable 18-karat-gold dog charm features an
intriguing cats-eye spinner, and her round citrine locket is
accented with eight surrounding diamonds. Kosann has
also designed a line of purses that include a sterling silver
image case.
Monica Rich Kosann is both an artistic genius and a
genius at telling stories through her award-winning black-
and-white photography. Her bestselling book, “The Fine
Art of Family,” chronicles unique moments in the lives of
families and children with whom she has worked. Her
second book, “Living With What You Love,” is due out
April 2010 and shows how to decorate with photography
and family heirlooms.
It was Kosann’s remarkable skill as a photographer that
inspired the creation of her company. “I love the look of
antique cigarette cases,” she explains. “I would buy them
 “My pieces are about
people and life,” she says.
They are personal,
sentimental,
magical and romantic.

designer
at flea markets or antique shows and display my pictures
in them. I sometimes gave them as gifts to clients. When

profile
friends started asking to buy them as gifts for their friends,
I came up with the idea of starting the company.”
Sales grew so fast that she had trouble filling all the or-
ders with the antique pieces, so she and her husband, Rod
Kosann, the former president of Anna Sui, decided to
head off to Italy, where many of the finest cases were
made. They found and purchased the original molds of
several of her favorite pieces, and modified them to hold
pictures. Today, high-end retailers such as Bergdorf Good-
man, Barneys and Neiman Marcus, as well as over 80 up-
scale specialty stores, sell her line of jewelry and image
cases. Together, she and her husband have built the com-
pany into an in-demand brand—so much so that Berg-
dorf Goodman has opened a Monica Rich Kosann in-
store boutique.
“My pieces are about people and life,” she says. They are
personal, sentimental, magical and romantic. Whether it’s
an image case to set on a coffee table, a locket to wear
around your neck, or that very special, “uniquely you”
charm bracelet, Kosann uses her intuitive vision to bring
joy and love into an art form that is often more about the
size of a stone than what it symbolizes. For her, memories
not only deserve to be preserved, they deserve a special
place, and that is what she creates. It is her genius and her
gift, her passion and her art. It’s elegance over extrava-
gance, and refinement over fashion—guiltless luxury that
will live forever. www.monicarichkosann.com ■

57
 T h e je w e l ry box

58
The
Jewelry
Box

t h e je w e l ry
Christopher Designs
Christian Bauer

box
Rodney Raynor
MCR Gems

59
box
T h e je w e l ry

Christopher Designs 1.800.955.0970 www.christopherdesigns.com

60
 t h e je w e l ry
box

Christian Bauer 1.800.245.1079 www.christianbauer.us

61
box
T h e je w e l ry

Rodney Raynor 1.866.292.8444 www.rodneyraynor.com

62
 t h e je w e l ry
box

MCR Gems 1.800.627.4367 www.mcrgems.com

63
 Charles
Krypell
hot & noteworthy
t re n d s a n d v ie w s
For more than three decades, Charles Krypell has been
transforming consumers into collectors. Fashion-forward,
constantly evolving and timeless, a Charles Krypell is
always a Charles Krypell, linked over time by sensuous
design, elegant three-dimensionality and a deep under-
standing of women’s desires.
Designed for women, Charles’ sterling silver collection
has inspired a revolution in the jewelry industry. Charles
explains, “Although I have been designing for over 33
years, it took me over two years to fully understand
the silver customer and how to mature into this design
element.” Each sterling piece is hand carved and has many
prototypes until perfection is achieved. “To me person-
ally, I never sell jewelry, I romance it,” he says.
A major anchor for Charles’ sterling collection are his
newest cuff designs. They boast bold and dramatic hand-
carved lines in combinations of sterling and 18-karat gold,
and are studded with gems ranging from green amethyst to
smoky topaz, citrine and mother of pearl. Charles is also
64
first to incorporate black, brown, white and yellow
diamonds into his sterling designs. Indeed, the cuffs have
elicited excitement nationwide as many fashion-forward
gurus have attested to saying that if anyone were to pur-
chase one piece of jewelry this year, it should be a cuff. “I
try to be ahead of the curve while watching trends and
listening to my collectors in trying to reinvent a classic,”
says Charles. “I achieved this with my new cuffs with an
updated flare and styling never seen before in our industry.”
Their success attests to Charles’ staying power. While
he constantly reinvents himself, he applies his magnificent
talent and deep vision to broaden his collector base. In this
economic climate, Charles has weathered the storm—and
with his passion for design he will continue to cultivate
consumers, one collector at a time. “A woman does not
calibrate her worth by how much a man spends on her,”
explains Charles, “but by her initial reaction when she
opens the box.” charleskrypell@gmail.com
By Jessica Teisch ■
Zorab
For more than 40 years, the Istanboulian family has been
working together to create the spectacular Zorab jewels
that have graced the red carpet on the likes of Scarlett
Johansson, Katy Perry and Rosario Dawson. Each Zorab
creation is one of a kind, signed and assigned a serial num-
ber, so celebrities and non-celebs alike can be assured that
they’ll never spot anyone else wearing their same piece.
This exclusiveness, combined with Zohrab Istanboulian
and son Henri’s creative, eye-catching designs and master- While each jewel varies drastically from one to the next,
ful craftsmanship, has resulted in a devoted following of there are two signature themes woven through each Zorab
jewelry lovers who appreciate the finest things in life. collection. The first is color, and the second is animals.
Approximately every three months, Zorab introduces Bright candy-store colors abound, such as those radiating
an impressive new collection of 200 to 300 baubles, all of out of yellow and blue diamonds, pink sapphires and
which are designed and manufactured in-house. By the kunzite. Animal shapes can be found in a snake bangle
end of the third month, the collection has been whittled with onyx and white chalcedony, a rose-sapphire alligator
away, and once a piece is gone, it’s gone for good and will ring and a blue-sapphire lion’s head bangle.
not be reproduced. While Zorab’s works of art are currently available to private
clients and in select retail stores, the company plans to

t re n d s a n d v ie w s
expand and open three flagship stores, in Bombay, China and
Singapore by the end of next year. www.zorabcreation.com
By Amy Gurvitz ■

hot & noteworthy

Shema-Or
New York-based jewelry designer Orna Simkhai devotes
her heart and soul to her work. Her Shema-Or collection,
named after a Jewish prayer for healing and faith in God
(the “shema yisrael”) and representing light and hope
(“or”), features pendants, bracelets, cufflinks, rings and
earrings inscribed with words from the sacred Hebrew
prayer. Orna crafts her delicate, lacy, scalloped pieces in
precious metals, from rose gold with diamonds, to silver,
gold and enamel to two-tone yellow and white gold.
While the Shema-Or collection is exquisite, it holds an the war. With the overwhelming demand for her prayer
even more remarkable story. In the summer of 2006, Orna jewelry, Orna has expanded the collection and reached
saw a story about a young Israeli soldier who was severely out to others in need, such as small schools and Ethiopian
injured in the war. Touched by his bravery and spirit, she children in Israel. “From my hand to their hands,” she
reached out to him and decided to raise money to help says. “There’s a magic about these pieces for everyone,
him by designing jewelry representing a prayer for him Jews and non-Jews alike. I’m honored to be doing this.”
and the unity of the world. She later discovered that the Email: orna@shema-or.com
soldier had uttered the Shema when he was injured during By Jessica Teisch ■
65
 TM

The Most Brilliant Asscher Ever

hot & noteworthy
t re n d s a n d v ie w s

Israel (Izzy) Itzkowitz, who invented the Princess cut back in 1980,
was feeling a bit restless awhile back to create something new. He has
always loved the Asscher cut, and who doesn’t—it’s really quite beauti-
ful—but he felt that in terms of brilliancy it just didn’t compare to the
Princess. So, one day, as Izzy explains, “over a glass of wine and a cigar,”
the idea came to him of creating the “Most Brilliant Asscher ever” by
combining a traditional Asscher with a Princess cut. Easier said than
done, however, and certainly not “simple.” After six months of trials and
a lot of diamond dust later—(“it wasn’t chocolate we were cutting,” he
says)— Izzy succeeded in creating his patent pending Asscher-Princess
cut, which he calls AcP. It is an Asscher cut above the girdle and a
Princess cut below.
Was it worth the trouble? Definitely. With its 81 facets, the AcP offers
an extraordinarily high degree of brilliance—no other cut can match it.
When measured in diamond light performance tests, the new AcP
always comes out on top, with its parameters always reaching the maxi-
mum. Even more important, though, is the reaction his cut is getting
from consumers, especially brides, who adore the superb sparkle of the
AcP in both solitaires and set in bands. After all, when it comes to
diamonds, what could be better than the beauty of an Asscher unless it
is a brilliantly beautiful Asscher-Princess combination.

Quadamas 213.995.9595

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 Morganite by

Makur Banking on Morganite

ttre
rennd
dss aan
hhoott & ndd vvie
& nnootteewiewwss
Sometimes the
Sometimes the simplest
simplest things
things make
make the the most
most impact.
impact. At At Makur
Makur

woorrtthhyy
Designs, the
Designs, the basic
basic ideas
ideas ofof color,
color, form
form andand texture—while
texture—while seemingly
seemingly
subtle—join together
subtle—join together toto create
create something
something extraordinary.
extraordinary. Whether
Whether itit isis their
their
signature rose gold, diamond accented suites or
signature rose gold, diamond accented suites or the award-winning the award-winning
Morganite Collection,
Morganite Collection, thethe Makur
Makur Designs
Designs look
look remains
remains highly
highly identifiable.
identifiable.
Introduced in 2007, the Morganite Collection is
Introduced in 2007, the Morganite Collection is the perfect matchthe perfect match
for Makur’s acclaimed 18-karat rose gold jewelry; the
for Makur’s acclaimed 18-karat rose gold jewelry; the combination of combination of
morganite and rose gold harmonizes color and design. A
morganite and rose gold harmonizes color and design. A natural gemstonenatural gemstone
from the
from the beryl
beryl group,
group, morganite
morganite boasts
boasts fine
fine pink
pink or
or gentle
gentle lilac
lilac hues
hues thatthat
perfectly complement
perfectly complement rose rose gold
gold and
and bring
bring warm,
warm, earthy
earthy tones
tones to
to life.
life. “The
“The
Morganite Collection
Morganite Collection hashas been
been very
very well
well embraced,”
embraced,” says
says Arlene
Arlene Hagopian,
Hagopian,
who works
who works with
with husband-designer
husband-designer Masis.
Masis. “Retailers
“Retailers and
and consumers
consumers truly truly
appreciate the elegant color and durability of morganite, and how itit
appreciate the elegant color and durability of morganite, and how
compliments our
compliments our 18kt
18kt rose
rose gold
gold settings.
settings. Entirely
Entirely hand-crafted,
hand-crafted, the the jewelry
jewelry
universally appeals to women. Just as important,
universally appeals to women. Just as important, morganite is morganite is cost
cost
effective—less expensive than pink diamonds, and naturally
effective—less expensive than pink diamonds, and naturally brilliant”, brilliant”,
Arlene continues.
Arlene continues. A A ring
ring from
from the
the Morganite
Morganite Collection
Collection wonwon the
the 2008
2008 JCK JCK
Best in
Best in Show
Show in in colored
colored stones.
stones.
This season,
Arlene Hagopian they are adding new designs and suites to its existing
collection, to debut at Las Vegas. So will a fresh addition in which Makur
makurinfo@yahoo.com
will be combining
By Jessica Teisch a new■ element with rose gold.
Arlene Hagopian
makurinfo@yahoo.com
By Jessica Teisch ■

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 Every Color Works On
The color red has now been proven, without a shadow of
a doubt, to be “the new black.” Television’s most luminous
stars lit up the red carpet at the 61st annual Emmy Awards
in September in the widest spectrum of colors seen at any
awards show to date. Tasteful gowns with elegant hair and
makeup were the backdrop for some of the hottest jewelry
trends we’ve seen as of late. If research and world-class
marketers are correct in predicting how celebrity trends
translate into consumer desire and purchasing, there are sev-
eral items at which retail jewelers should take a second look.
hot & noteworthy
Gem-Rich Colors
This year’s red carpet made a definite statement:
Color—all colors—are hot! Celebrities like Hayden
Panettiere and Ginnifer Goodwin remained true to the
red and purple hues favored in past awards shows, while
Glenn Close and Tina Fey preferred the formality of black.
t re n d s a n d v ie w s
Stars like Christina Applegate and Julia Louis-Dreyfus
dazzled in deep and midnight blues. Drew Barrymore
chose a gorgeous blush by Monique Lhuillier, Leighton
Meester channeled a Grecian goddess in her white Bottega
Veneta and Olivia Wilde floated in soft platinum grey by
Marchesa. Jessica Lange looked amazing in seafoam green,
while Kristin Chenoweth glittered in a platinum jeweled
number. Match this array of rich color with the desire for
bigger jewelry, and what this says on the jewelry front is
that colored gemstones will continue to gain popularity
among consumers looking to channel the red carpet looks
of their favorite celebrities. The look of a colored gemstone
also plays to the casual glamour exhibited on this year’s
red carpet. Christina Applegate matched her blue gown
with a 60-carat sapphire ring set into blackened platinum
by Lorraine Schwartz. Toni Collette contrasted her gown’s
color with a jade and platinum bracelet, while Jane Lipsitz
chose platinum and blue topaz by Chad Allison. Kristin
Chenoweth went for the beautiful blue of an aquamarine
set into platinum by Tiffany & Co.
Focused Glamour
The simplicity of beading and ornamentation on gowns
this year, combined with wider open-neck treatments, has
harkened the return of the chandelier earring. And these
chandeliers swung from almost every earlobe. Glenn Close
wore the most impressive pair of platinum and diamond
68
Red
By Michael O’Connor, Jewelry and Style Expert
earrings that extended three quarters of the way down her
neck, while Julia Louis-Dreyfus wore a delicate platinum
and diamond earring by Neil Lane. Phyllis Smith from
“The Office” stood out in her platinum and diamond
chandelier styles from Jacob & Co. Olivia Wilde turned
heads with a classic pair of drops by Kwiat.
Bracelets continue to be one of Hollywood’s favorite
pieces. From bangles to gate-link, from wide to layered,
barely an arm was bare. Jessica Lange added glamour to
her wrist with a platinum and diamond bracelet by Kwiat.
Blake Lively took a bolder approach with her platinum
and diamond bracelet with large rock crystals by Lorraine
Schwartz, while Lorna Scott chose a simple platinum and
diamond bangle by Jacob & Co. Mary Hart showed she
can kick it up a notch with multiple platinum and
diamond bracelets by Chad Allison.
Statement Makers
While some celebs made a statement with their gowns,
others chose to highlight pivotal areas with amazing
jewelry pieces. The boldest and brightest statement goes to
AnnaLynne McCord, who wore a one-of-a-kind platinum
necklace named “Shibuki” – meaning “Splash.” The
necklace was designed by Yuka Kobayashi for Japan’s
Kuwayama and is part of Platinum Guild International’s
iconic collection of necklaces inspired by water. Lisa
Edelstein highlighted her hands with a one-of-a-kind
platinum and diamond flower ring by UK designer Fei Liu
that can also be worn as a pendant. Tina Fey made the
most forward-thinking statement, punctuating the back
of her simple black gown with a platinum and diamond
vintage pin that highlighted a gather in the dress.
Men on the Move:
Male celebrities have been making more of a jewelry state-
ment over the past few years. Even the more conservative
guys, like John Krasinski in his platinum and diamond cuf-
flinks by Neil Lane, sparkled a little more. Seth Green turned
heads in what’s become the hot new accessory for men on the
red carpet, a platinum and diamond tie accent by CliQ. Fash-
ion guru Nick Verreos and Leslie David Baker from “The
Office” decided to push the fashion envelope slightly by
accessorizing their lapels with vintage platinum and diamond
lapel pins from The Singer Collection. ■
 t re nds a nd v ie w s
AnnaLynne McCord in a one of a kind necklace by Yuka Kobayashi. Glenn Close in platinum and diamond earrings. Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Neil Lane.

hot & noteworthy

Julie Benz in Gem Platinum. Toni Collette in a platinum and jade bracelet. Blake Lively in Lorraine Schwartz.
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09-547 Precision Set Ad.indd 1 10/12/09 2:01:18 PM

Photo: Peter S. Hurst, Art Director: Shelby Erickson.

Rare and unique...Charles Krypell’s

Precious Pastel Collection

exemplifies pink, yellow and white diamonds and multi-colored

sapphires in extraordinary designs

For the authorized Charles Krypell retailer nearest you please call 1.800.487.8765
or visit us online at www.charleskrypell.com