The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
Kara Ross to Transform Boutique into Designer Collective
This month, the jewelry designer will debut a shared space for rotating groups of designers to sell their work.
New York--Designer and philanthropist Kara Ross is taking her Madison Avenue boutique for an innovative turn.
On Jan. 16, Ross will launch the #655Madison Curated Collective, a concept in which eight jewelry designers will share the 350-square-foot space and divide the monthly cost equally among themselves.
Every four months, a new group of designers will move in and take over.
“I was recently at a CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) board meeting with fellow jewelry designers,” Ross explained. “Everyone was speaking about the challenging state of retail and how best to get ‘direct to the consumer.’ That’s what sparked the idea. I can use our jewel box of a store to highlight all the amazing talent in jewelry design that’s out there.”
Participating designers will donate 10 percent of proceeds earned at the collective to Diamonds Unleashed, Ross’ foundation that supports organizations that work toward female empowerment.
“I’ve completely reconfigured my business to be a vehicle for philanthropic initiatives supporting girls and women around the world,” said Ross of incorporating Diamonds Unleashed with the collective.
For the initial four-month period, Ross and seven other CFDA jewelers who participated in Ross’ “Jewelers Unite” auction at Art Miami will inaugurate #655 Madison: Dean Harris, Simon Alcantara, Anndra Neen, Stephen Dweck, Kenny Hwang of KH Studio Designs and Katrin Zimmerman, plus one last designer who is yet to be named.
Each designer participant will showcase approximately 15 to 25 pieces at the store in their own designated case. The store’s center case will rotate between the designers weekly.
“Through this creative collaboration, we can redefine the retail landscape.” - Kara RossOn the marketing front, the collective will provide social media exposure, monthly e-mail blasts via the Diamonds Unleashed e-mail, monthly store events and the ability to switch product out on a weekly basis.
Each designer will have the opportunity to take over the store for a special trunk show for one day during the four-month session.
During the length of their participation, designers also will receive support in the form of two store sale associates, trained in each designer’s product, plus all housekeeping amenities from surveillance and security to visual merchandising per each designer’s direction.
Ross is looking for designers to participate in the second session of the #655Madison Curated Collective, which will begin in May 2017, and future sessions.
She will personally select each group of designers.
Brands interested in learning more about participation in the collective should contact Jessica Gamblin at jessica@skoogproductions.com.
The Latest
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.
“Chopard x Julia Roberts” showcases the first gems cut from the 6,000-carat-plus “Insofu Emerald."