The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Wax Carver James Bilello, 73, Dies in Boating Accident
The freelancer, who worked for a number of jewelers in Manhattan, was one of two men found dead after their boat capsized in the Long Island Sound this week.
Port Jefferson, N.Y.--A member of the jewelry industry was one of two men found dead after their boat capsized in the Long Island Sound this week.
Tuesday afternoon, a boater alerted the Coast Guard that there was an overturned boat just west of the sound’s Port Jefferson Channel, according to Suffolk County police.
They first recovered the body of 80-year-old Charles Petrie of Holtsville, N.Y. and then began the search for Bilello; they found the 73-year-old’s body near the lighthouse in Old Field Wednesday morning.
Bilello was a Long Island-based freelance model maker for high-end jewelers in Manhattan, devoting his time to handmade wax models for the fine jewelry trade and individual jewelry designers for more than three decades.
According to a resume found online, he worked with such companies as Dalow Industries, Kelman Casting, Andel Jewelry Corp., Jordana Creations and more.
“Jim was a joyful, loyal, sensitive and rare human being, devoted to his wife and family,” she told National Jeweler. “I am grateful to have called him friend.”
She added that, “He told corny jokes and loved to make us laugh. He had a courageous heart. Jim was a profoundly gifted wax carver and was a master at carving creatures.”
But he was so much more than a wax carver, Henry Dunay said.
The designer worked with Bilello off and on for decades, and told National Jeweler that his skills went far beyond that, knowing jewelry design and model making so well that he knew exactly how to create the perfect piece.
“He was a very special man, and he was very supportive of the people he worked for,” Dunay said. “He put his heart and soul into his work.”
Dunay’s wife, Frinette, who worked with him on a few design projects, reiterated both his dedication to his family and to the details in his work.
She said that a few times they tried to use other wax model makers but ended up coming back to Bilello because he would not only guide them to creating the perfect piece, but also listen to them to create something that was on-brand.
He was “like a teacher” in helping her understand design when she first began. “He was
Distefano Thomas, too, said, “I cannot put into words what a tremendous loss this is. When I heard the news I was saddened to the core. I cannot imagine the pain that his family is going through, as they were paramount to him. I never met a more loving soul than Jim Bilello.”
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.