Jewelry PR Division

Our Jewelry PR Blog Has Moved

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:56:05 -0500

Please be sure to visit the NEW Pierce Mattie Public Relations blog on its new URL, just add the word "public relations" after Pierce Mattie and omit the word blogs: www.piercemattiepublicrelations.com Other Pierce Mattie PR Division Blog Locations: Beauty Pro A professional beauty and cosmetics industry blog. The Fashion Rag Fashion, design and style blog co-written by Jason Jobson and Shannon Nelson. The Jewelry PR Division Jewelry, precious metal and accessory industry blog. The Fitness PR Division Our sports fitness, health and club industry blog. The Industry Dirt Blog Media Industry Blog. See you there!

Jewelry PR: Sneak Peak at STORM's 2008 Collection

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:51:16 -0500

We're all waiting eagerly for STORM's next line up of watches and in just a few short weeks their 2008 collection will be hitting the stores. STORM’s futuristic appeal, precision construction and uncommon designs have attracted a strong following of fashion savvy consumers with unique style. Here's a sneak peak of what you'll be seeing (and wanting) from their 2008 collection:

MIA

Feature: All steel, easy links, 5ATM.

Black. Silver. RRP: $160.00

Gold. RRP: $180.00

RIYO

Feature: All steel, 5ATM, 2 tone brush and polish feature.

Black. Silver. RRP: $140.00

Gold. RRP: $170.00

TERRAIN SQUARE

Feature: Sterling Silver case, square face, date, compass, rubber strap. Water resistant – 50m

Steel/Steel. Steel/Black. RRP: $200.00

Rose Gold. Slate. RRP: $240.00

VICE, SPECIAL EDITION

Feature: Sterling Silver case, square face, winder detail, rubber. Water resistant – 50m

Steel/Steel. Steel/Black RRP; $160.00

Rose Gold. Slate RRP: $180.00

Some of the watches can be seen on the STORM website, however check out their locations to find a retailer near you.

For The Single Gal: The Ah Ring From Divine Diamonds

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 21:47:51 -0500

So you're single and you want everyone to know that it's really not that bad--actually you are pretty happy and in a good place. Why not adorn your hand with the Ah Ring from Divine Diamonds.com? Meant to be worn on your pinkie, the Ah Ring means "available" and "happy." The Ah Ring contains 11 round full-cut (conflict-free) diamonds equaling a quarter carat set in 14k white gold. While many celebrities like Selma Blair, Minnie Driver and Jessica Biel may be showing off the Ah Ring on their pinkies, don't expect this ring to cost you your first born. The Ah Ring is extremely affordable at $295. * Photo Credit: DivineDiamonds.com

Pierce Mattie PR Interviews Jewelry Industry Expert Eddie Le Vian

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:24:09 -0500

Ever since Eddie LeVian joined the company in 1978, Le Vian® has grown and prospered through its entry into uncharted territory in the jewelry world, through Eddie’s eyebrow-raising marketing techniques, all to bring fine jewelry within reach of jewelry lovers – and would-be jewelry lovers – coast to coast. Today, Le Vian® collectors number more than 500,000, including royalty and billionaires but, more important to Eddie, jewelry lovers at middle income levels to whom he has opened a treasure trove. Shannon: The Le Vian website is very unique with a great tribute to your father A. Le Vian and an all around feeling of warmth and love of family; I feel this sets you apart from other jeweler web sites out there. How did the concept of your website come together? Eddie LeVian: The website is a collaboration of many areas within Le Vian including Marketing, Merchandising, MIS, Customer Service and more. My son Jonathan is the web master. My nephew Rafael is the graphic designer and web developer. Everyone involved in the web work knows the story of Le Vian first hand and maybe that is why the feel is more personal. Shannon: You joined the family business in 1978, being surrounded by the jewelry business all of your life, was this something you had long wanted to do or was there a time when you wanted to venture out down a different career path? Eddie: During college, I was not sure if this is what I wanted to do and in fact I was in search of my fountain of youth. Then I realized that of all of the things that you have in life, it is your jewelry that people keep from you and remember you by. So I realized that by having my name signed inside the pieces, my name will live on along with the jewel that is passed down the generations in the families. I realized that I had found my fountain of youth in my family business, where I have an excuse to see my brothers and sisters every single day. I decided to make the world’s most beautiful jewelry and make them available and affordable to everyone. Shannon: Your website mentions that you have been responsible for many "eyebrow raising marketing techniques," can you share a few of them with us and explain how this has made Le Vian Jewelers who they are today? Eddie: We made history with the first all precious tiara ever made for any pageant or parade, a $75,000 ruby and diamond one for the fiesta bowl that they used for 20 years. We have been the official designer for the Mrs. America Pageant for 17 years. We go to 1,000 cities and towns in the US each year with unbelievable trunk shows of the artist’s proofs and original pieces that are offered to our collectors. Our "Where to Buy" page can tell you every store we are in with maps to find the location. Each year we send personalized letters to our half million collectors at least twice a year and send roses and chocolates to the thousands of VIP’s. These letters give user names and passwords that allow our collectors to go to a private zone within our site called the Collectors Club where they can see the thousands of new designs a month that we do, as they come out. We even do a jewelry design competition with Jewelers for Children each year.

Renaissance Man: David Yurman

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:36:30 -0500

Jewelry, to me, is always breathtaking and intriguing. Sometimes, however, there are those designers whose pieces just jump out at you above all others and you revel in their ingenuity and splendor. David Yurman's Renaissance collection captures your imagination and leaves you feeling like a child coveting your most prized possession. Radiant, captivating and elegant, you may have just found a new love in your life. I am definitely a purveyor of colored gemstones and my favorite by far is Blue Topaz. It's deep blue hues create the feeling of relaxing waters of tranquility and serenity. Blue Topaz is calming, peaceful but also understatedly elegant. The sterling silver used in combination with the Blue Topaz in David Yurman's Renaissance collection almost gives it a mythological presence. Citrine, Black Onyx and Smoky Quartz are stately and immediately bring forth images of taking their rightful place on the hands of Medieval scholars. If the Renaissance was about rebirth, David Yurman's Renaissance is about the rebirth of luxury. * Photo Credit: www.DavidYurman.com

Rita Fusaro: Jewelry Design That Is One Of A Kind

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:45:55 -0500

Simplicity and grace is what defines Rita Fusaro's jewelry. These estate-inspired pieces speak to those who love the look of formality in a one of a kind design. With platinum being the metal that the Fusaro Jewelry Company has best become known for, all of her jewelry has an air of luxury and elegance. Rita loves creating one of a kind jewelry and buying unsual stones. She creates her pieces to be timeless, so that whether you purchased her jewelry today or several years from now, they will never look outdated by the latest trend. These are some of my favorite pieces: Ridotta Drop Platinum earrings with two 1.50ct. round diamonds dangling from 1.00ct. of full cut micro pave set diamonds. 18kt. white gold earrings with pave set diamonds (0.45ct.t.w.) with oval yellow sapphires (4.75ct.) 18kt. white gold pendant style necklace with 0.50ct. of full cut diamonds and 8.37ct. vivid oval green tourmaline. Fusaro Jewelry offers private consultation services at its showroom in Greenwich, Connecticut for clients who prefer to work closely with the designer to create a custom-designed piece that reflects the owner's individual taste and style. You can contact Rita at 1-800-258-0385. To see all of Rita's exquisite jewelry, visit her online at www.fusarojewelry.com. * Images copyright Fusaro Jewelry, published with permission.

Chi Galatea Huynh: Jewelry As Art

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 21:38:22 -0500

If there is one jewelry designer who can take my breath away and leave me stunned, it's Chi Galatea Huynh. His amazing jewelry will leave you in awe of his craftsmanship, but also of his innovative thinking. Huynh gets his inspiration from nature's beauty and forges his designs with masterfully skilled hands. It is Huynh's out of the box thinking and humble spirit that are the true factors in his success. The magnificent Mercy Pearl is Huynh's signature piece of jewelry formed from a natural black pearl carved away to reveal the nucleus--exposing a gemstone. There is nothing out there like it and it is an amazing work of art. My favorite is his DaVinci Cut gemstones and diamonds. It was again Huynh's innovative thinking that brought to life a gemstone that could change colors at different angles and points of view. Pictures of the DiVinci Cut stones does not do it justice, you should see the video on Modern Jeweler's Jewelry Video Network to get a true feel for how exquisite this design is. Find it under Trunk Shows>Davinci Cut. Chi Galatea Huynh's jewelry is available on his website, at various tradeshows and retail outlets around the country. * Photo Credit: ModernJewelr.com

Jewelry Find: Alexis Bittar's Ruby Drop Branch Necklace

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:17:57 -0500

As I sit buried under 12 inches of snow and another Northeast blast on it's way, my mind wandered towards Spring and anything associated with the season's newness and fresh color palette. I found myself perusing various jewelry designers websites and came to a screeching hault when I happened upon Alexis Bittar's Ruby Drop Branch Necklace. Delicate like a young sapling extending its branches with fragile small flowers on its tips ready to bloom, Alexis has created a necklace that speaks to Spring's soft and gentle feel. Embellished with rubies, garnets, aquamarine and dark citrine drops, this necklace has an understated elegance that provides sparkle without being overdone. Are you already thinking Spring? Which designers do you admire that have pieces that speak to the season? * Photo Credit: alexisbittar.com

Summer Lovin’ Jewelry With Endless Diamonds By Fantasy Diamond

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:06:00 -0500

Endless Diamonds offers patented touch setting, which will help to celebrate endless love. For a summer wedding every bride wants to be a reflection of happiness. There is no better way to sparkle in the summer sun then to wear jewels. Add enchantment to a summer fairytale wedding with diamonds.

Most Endless Diamonds styles come as a set which includes pendants, earrings, and rings. Almost every design is available in white, yellow or two toned gold. The patented touch setting gives an appearance that is three to five times larger than a single stone at a comparable weight.

Let your magical fantasies come to life on your wedding day with Endless Diamond’s collection of bridal jewelry that has a beautiful selection of diamonds. After all, Endless Love is worth it. The Endless Diamonds Collection by Fantasy Diamond is available at Macy's.

Media Contact:
Jewelry PR Division: Erin at piercemattie dot com

Ginette_ny Opens Her First Boutique Jewelry Bar

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:29:06 -0500

Frederique Dessemond is a talented painter turned jewelry designer hailing from France. After studying art history and working as an interior designer, Dessemond felt there was more out there for her and in 1999 she landed in New York. After getting her feet wet in the fashion industry, she began to design her own jewelry and now eight years later; ginette_ny has its first one of a kind jewelry boutique in New York’s West Village.

While her jewelry can be found in Henri Bendel’s and Barney’s, the ginette_ny jewelry bar offers customers a different jewelry buying experience. Dessemond wanted to provide her customers with a personalized sense of customer service with a unique way to shop for jewelry. One can sit and have something to drink while perusing the display stands on the bar and received personalized service from Dessemond herself. In a time when engaging with customers seems to be more product-focused than customer service-focused, ginette_ny offers something unique that is not merely “shopping,” but instead an experience.

The ginette_ny line of jewelry consists of signature gold disc necklaces, custom monogrammed necklaces, keys, coins, chains, rings and earrings. Besides the new jewelry bar, ginette_ny jewelry can be purchased at a variety of locations, all of which are listed on her website. Her jewelry collection is also available for purchase online at ShopBop.com

ginette_ny Jewelry Bar
172 West 4th Street, NY

Mikimoto and Yohji Yamamoto Collaborate On Fine Jewelry Collection For Fall

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 20:01:06 -0500

Via National Jewelry Network: New York—Two iconic Japanese design forces, Mikimoto and clothing designer Yohji Yamamoto, will collaborate on a fine jewelry collection set to launch this fall. Three groups of designs will comprise the Yamamoto-designed collection of about 20 pieces, which will make its official debut in Paris during Couture Week this July.

Mikimoto and Yohji Yamamoto stores worldwide will begin selling the designs in November. "The pearl is a symbol of feminine perfection, and, in the quintessential universe of fine jewelry, it stands alone," reads a Mikimoto statement. "Its perfect form, the subtlety of its irridescence, its refinement singularly unique ...the pearl radiates magnetic attractions. For these reasons, Yohji Yamamoto has decided to design a jewelry collection focused on the pearl.

Mikimoto's incomparable reputation for designing, producing and selling the world's finest cultured pearl jewelry made it a perfect choice for Yohji Yamamoto." Yamamoto, who rose to prominence with his bold designs in the 1980s, is famous for clothing featuring glossy textures and dramatic silhouettes.

Off The Runway: Spring Jewelry Trends

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 22:22:24 -0500

Spring is here (despite the recent Nor’easter) and the jewelry trends for the season are beginning to be seen on fashionistas everywhere. While the most talked about jewelry trend has been statement rings such as David Lundhal’s Candy Couture collection, statement rings are not the only jewelry trend that is in style right now.

Hefty gold chains: Whether shown in necklaces or bracelets, classic chunky chains abounded at Spring 2007 Fashion Week. Seen on the runways of Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg and Heatherette.

Layered necklaces: Carried over from previous seasons, the layered look now features thinner, even delicate necklaces. Seen on the runways of Charles Nolan, Ralph Lauren and Carmen Marc Valvo.

Simple pendants: Continuing the minimalist trend, designers opted for sweet charms on dainty chains. Seen on the runways of Chado Ralph Rucci, Mark Bouwer and Akiko Ogawa.

Cuff bracelets: Cuffs appeared on diverse runways, with designers pushing them above model's elbows for a fresher look. Seen on the runways of Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons, Carlos Miele and Nicole Miller.

DeBeers Former PR Head Announced As Brand Ambassador For Gemesis Lab Grown Diamonds

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 20:02:19 -0500

According to a story on The National Jewelry Network, Joan Parker former director of the Diamond Information Center and most recently head of public relations for DeBeers Diamond Jewelry, has been announced as Brand Ambassador for Gemesis Corporation. Gemesis Corporation has mastered the creation of natural diamonds grown in a lab setting. The announcement of Parker as Brand Ambassador for a lab grown diamond corporation is very interesting for two reasons. First, DeBeers is the world leader for naturally grown diamonds and second, there is tension in the diamond industry that lab grown diamonds may become the next Cultured Pearl creating competitive pricing between naturally mined diamonds and cultured lab grown diamonds. With all of the knowledge Parker brings to the table, not only about naturally mined diamonds, but also about the inner workings of DeBeers, it may very well give Gemesis Corp. a lengthy head start to becoming an industry leader in the lab grown diamond market and quite possibly a true competitor to a naturally mined brand such as DeBeers. Lab grown diamonds are produced from real diamond seeds that come together under pressure in a lab setting to create a diamond that matches or exceeds a mined diamond in quality and brilliance. You can read more about lab grown diamonds in a previous post I wrote here. So what will this mean for the lab grown diamond industry? Surely raising a level of awareness about Gemesis and lab grown diamonds can only bring a positive overflow effect onto other lab grown diamond companies. As the public becomes more educated on lab grown diamonds, not to mention the fact that they are a real diamond at a much lower price, the natural diamond industry may just have an issue on their hands that will force them to become more creative in marketing naturally mined diamonds. What do you think?

Pearl Jewelry Still Defines Sophisticated Elegance

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 20:38:05 -0500

It’s a wedding day tradition to wear your mother’s pearls, female politician’s wear them to look serious yet refined, business women wear them with their pantsuits to give off a casual elegance suitable for the workplace and when heading out the door for a family portrait, most women reach for the pearls as their jewelry of choice.

While the diamond exudes luxury, pearls exude that old time level of sophistication that is best defined through old photographs of Jackie Kennedy. In fact, the cultured pearls worn by Jackie in the famous photo of John Kennedy Jr. as a youngster trying to grab them from her neck sold for $211,500 at a Sotheby’s auction in 1995 when their true value was only $500. Jackie helped defined sophistication, not only through her fashion sense, but through her choice of style in jewelry as well, which many times included pearls.

No matter if you can afford the real thing or have to opt for cultured pearls, this is jewelry that can define your style and image. Most young girls yearn for the day when they can wear their mother’s pearls and this is true for generations both past and present. Through years of jewelry trends and the hottest gems, pearls have somehow been able to remain a staple to most women’s attire. It’s still a “fall back” piece of jewelry that acts as a chameleon and can go with almost any outfit.

No matter the woman, no matter the year, I can guarantee that she has at least one piece of pearl jewelry in her jewelry box.

What do you think? Is pearl jewelry a thing of the past or does it still define sophistication and elegance among today’s jewelry trends?

Candy Couture: Statement Rings For Spring's Biggest Jewelry Trend

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:22:38 -0500

With statement rings being one of the jewelry trends this Spring, David Lundahl has designed a collection that will leave you humming the tune, “I want candy.” These oversized crystals come in a variety of colors set in gold or silver toned metals.

As seen in the New York Post last week, Lundahl’s Candy Couture made the Haute List of products to buy this Spring. The gorgeous colors and the Swarovski Crystals definitely bring to life the word “statement” in the whole statement ring craze.

For more information about David Lundahl:

Jewelry PR Division Christina at piercemattie dot com