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.
SurveysApr 26, 2017
50 Jewelers/50 States: Alaska
In a new series, National Jeweler is taking the pulse of the nation’s independent jewelers state by state. The second installment features jewelry store Giamante in Anchorage, Alaska.
In a new series, National Jeweler is taking the pulse of the nation’s independent jewelers state by state. Here, we talk with Giamante in Anchorage.
Anchorage, Alaska--Amid the changing and challenging retail environment, the editorial team at National Jeweler wondered how macro trends--from online shopping to serving new generations of shoppers--have affected jewelers in disparate parts of the country.
In order to find out, we decided to launch a new series called 50 Jewelers/50 States, in which we interview one retailer in each of the 50 U.S. states.
The second installment features Giamante jewelry store in Anchorage, Alaska, a fairly new venture from industry veterans and husband-and-wife duo Joseph and Debi Gimeno, who face Alaska’s current economic uncertainties.
National Jeweler: What's the biggest challenge your store is facing?
Joseph Gimeno: It’s very particular to our state. Right now, because of the oil industry leaving Alaska, we are in a major recession and we’re doing OK, but we have to deal with a new economic scenario, which is affecting most businesses and leading to a lot of unemployment.
Oil was a major provider of jobs and money in Alaska. The challenge is adapting to the state’s new economic outlook over the last year and a half.
NJ: What’s the top-selling item or brand at your store?
JG: Definitely engagement rings. For brands, Danhov out of L.A. is one of the top-selling designers that we carry.
NJ: Describe your regional customer.
JG: We try to cater to higher-end customers. We specialize in bridal, so we seek mostly people who are looking to get engaged or married or celebrating anniversaries.
NJ: What’s the most popular style of engagement ring with your clientele now?
JG: Here, we’re definitely still selling a halo with a basic shank, very thin. Minimalist.
NJ: What about diamond shapes?
JG: Round diamonds are definitely the most popular.
NJ: What’s your internet and social media presence like? What accounts do you have or actively use?
JG: We have a well-maintained website, but we don’t sell online. We’re very active on social media and our website is directly connected to all of our social media accounts: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram. We’re everywhere.
Our main focus online is on acquiring new clientele and keeping our clientele informed of what’s going on here.
NJ:
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Of the social media accounts you’re using, which is the most important to you?
JG: I would say Facebook.
NJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to other independent jewelry stores?
JG: You have to find your niche--how you are different than everybody else--and then do that.
For us, I think the quality of our customer service and the way that we care sets us apart. We genuinely care about our customers, and it shows.
NJ: What’s a fun fact about you we can share with our readers?
Debi Gimeno (in the background): You speak five languages.
JG: That’s not a fun fact … I’ve been a jeweler working in the jewelry industry pretty much nonstop since 1977.
DG: You like to jump off of really high things.
JG: (laughs) That has nothing to do with work, but that is true.
JG: I would say Facebook.
NJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to other independent jewelry stores?
JG: You have to find your niche--how you are different than everybody else--and then do that.
For us, I think the quality of our customer service and the way that we care sets us apart. We genuinely care about our customers, and it shows.
NJ: What’s a fun fact about you we can share with our readers?
Debi Gimeno (in the background): You speak five languages.
JG: That’s not a fun fact … I’ve been a jeweler working in the jewelry industry pretty much nonstop since 1977.
DG: You like to jump off of really high things.
JG: (laughs) That has nothing to do with work, but that is true.
More on Surveys
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 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.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
