The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Meet the Website Consigning Jewelers’ Pieces
Kavador aims to be the online place where retailers can discount inventory without hurting their brand as well as get their jewelry in front of a wider audience.
New York--Consignment is an issue that’s talked about in the jewelry industry quite a bit, usually in reference to designers--whether they should consign, or how to make it work for their business if they do.
It’s not often, however, that the conversation is around consigning pieces from retailers themselves. And yet there’s one website that’s making it its business.
Kavador is a fine jewelry website that sells new and estate pieces sourced from independent jewelry stores across the country, giving those stores access to a national audience while also putting consumers in front of one-of-a-kind pieces to which they previously might not have had access.
In a recent interview with National Jeweler, co-founders Jennie Pastor and Michelle Reeves said the idea came about from a conversation they were having about the state of the industry, in particular the “struggles faced by independent retailers and the challenge that they have to try and compete online” as small, local stores, Pastor said.
The marketplace operates on a consignment model.
After Kavador takes in the jewelry from the retailer, the company uses Gemological Institute of America-certified gemologists who are members of the Kavador team to authenticate it all.
They also take high-quality product photos and lifestyle images.
Once the piece is listed on the site, it’s held on consignment for 60 days by Kavador so that they can offer quick shipping and customer service benefits themselves.
If a piece hasn’t been sold within that two-month time period, Pastor said they can look at analytics on the piece to see if, for example, it’s had a lot of product views but just has yet to find the right buyer, or if it’s just not appealing to the site’s consumers.
While the final decision is up to the retailer to keep it on the site longer or take it off, the team stressed that ideally, they want to “continually refresh product.”
While a website that offers consignment for fine jewelry isn’t new, Kavador separates itself from the others by working only with retailers. It does this for a few reasons, according to its founders--the breadth of product is a large part, but so is the quality.
Kavador has a flat 20 percent commission fee per piece. There is no listing fee or contract for retailers, as well as no minimum amount of pieces that can be put up on the site.
It also is open to all retailers, who can set their own price, though the founders said they aim to keep pieces to at least 20 percent below full retail to deliver a compelling price point for consumers.
This, in turn, allows Kavador to be a place for retailers to discount slow-moving inventory without harming their local brand and pricing structure or encouraging discount shoppers.
“We’re saying, ‘OK, we have an alternative to having an in-store sale or liquidating it,’ which is, let’s put it on a national level, show it to this new audience, and price it in a way that’s going to enable the quick sale. But it’s all under our brand so it protects your local branding,” Pastor said.
Officially launched last November, Kavador’s team has had some time to look at what’s doing well and what people are buying.
“Rings are very much a popular category. They continue to trend,” Reeves said. “In terms of price points, though, we’ve sold items from a few hundred dollars to well over $20,000 and everything in between. For us … it’s just showing the vast opportunity that exists for retailers to get their product in the hands of people everywhere.”
The Latest
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.