MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
EditorsNov 05, 2013
The other red book
Many people in the jewelry industry are familiar with the big Red Book, the annual publication of the Jewelers Board of Trade that serves as the credit bible, so to speak, for the jewelry industry.
The Little Red Guide: Propose, Celebrate, Delight contains creative ideas for celebrating special occasions, including proposals and, for those whose proposals and subsequent marriages go well, anniversaries.
One-time jewelry designer and former president of the Contemporary Jewelry Design Group Jeanne Johngren wrote the book using the pen name Emma Whitcair to keep her brands separate, she says.
Johngren says the tome is intended to be the first in a series of Little Red Guides, which are “short”--under 100 pages--“succinct and get to the point.”
Being a writer, it’s no surprise I was drawn to the chapter titled “For the Wordsmith.” I thought it had some really unique ideas
The chapter reminded me of the sweet proposal my first-year college roommate, a photojournalism major, received from her boyfriend a few years after we graduated. The two were working at a small newspaper together in Indiana that featured a weekly column that could be penned by any member of the staff. He commandeered the column one morning to write a very public proposal with the headline, “A smile, a skipped heartbeat, a heartfelt proposal.” (For those wondering, she said “yes.” They now have three boys together and, interestingly enough, work as full-time wedding photographers.)
For those into less literary forms of communication, Johngren/Whitcair’s book contains many other fun proposal and celebration ideas involving everything from fortune cookies to hot air balloons, with additional ideas online at TheLittleRedGuide.com.
She says retailers can buy the book from her and give it away to customers or put it near the register as an add-on item. The cover price on the paperback is $9.95 but, of course, retailers buying directly from Johngren wouldn’t pay that much. It is also available for the Kindle for $5.
Jewelers could share the Amazon.com link for the Kindle version with their customers or invest in the old-fashioned paperback version (I, personally, am a fan of the traditional touch-it-and-feel-it book) and brand it with a store sticker containing their phone number, address and even social media information.
Whatever they decide to do, Johngren says the idea behind her Little Guide is to help retailers sell more rings.
“A
lot of what keeps stores open are engagement ring sales,” she says. “It opens up those lanes of communication so it isn’t (just) about the sales process.”
More on Editors
The Latest
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
