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.
EditorsJul 30, 2015
Just call me Mr. Wonderful
Senior Editor Hannah Connorton channeled her inner investor this week to participate in a panel designed to help new designers with their sales pitches and collections.
I got to be a shark this week.
Well, not literally, but figuratively. Have you seen the ABC show Shark Tank? It’s where entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel of “sharks”—a group of wildly successful and business-savvy businessmen and women, among them Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran and Kevin O’Leary, a/k/a Mr. Wonderful—and try to get one or more of the sharks to invest in their idea.
Jeweler’s Resource Bureau President Cindy Edelstein borrowed from this concept recently to create “The Big Pitch,” where 12 new designers from the recently held JA New York Summer show were invited to present their jewelry collection to a panel of retailers and one member of the press (yours truly). We the panel were asked to give the designers advice and feedback, including praise and constructive criticism, both verbally and in writing.
Edelstein, who also is a consultant to the JA New York shows for its designer pavilions, brought a range of designers and brands to The Big Pitch, opening the panel to first-time JA NY exhibitors from the show’s New Designer Gallery, American Craft Council showcase, Accessories showcase, Design Lab and Wearable Tech pavilion.
To keep everything fair (and get it done in a reasonable amount of time), the designers had just a few minutes each to present, followed by a few minutes of questions and feedback from the panel.
For an inaugural event it ran incredibly smoothly. Each jewelry-maker adhered to their allotted time (thanks to Cindy’s stopwatch-wielding husband, Frank) and, in my opinion, received invaluable information from the very people with whom many of these designers wish to do business.
Nadine, founder of jewelry e-tailer Stone & Strand, and I check out the jewelry and materials for a new designer during the panel.
The panel was invited to touch and try on the jewelry, as well as ask any question to help them understand a collection better.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
in anyone’s collections during the panel. Many of the designers presented unique, innovative and truly original designs that truly impressed me.
But it was productive to be able to tell a designer their pieces may be too heavy, they might want to introduce their collection with more options, their prices are too low, etc. For a new designer, what could be better than getting honest feedback from those with whom you hope to work? And for retailers and editors, what better chance to use your industry and marketplace knowledge to help someone succeed?
“It was a great event,” Edelstein told me Wednesday. “The designers learned so much, from how to make a succinct two-minute pitch to how to handle the pressure of multiple retailers asking questions at once. Just hearing the different questions gives insight into the way a wholesale line needs to be merchandised so that it can please a buyer.”
She added that several of the designers got immediate orders following the panel.
“The retailers all said they had a great time, found lines they might not have discovered on their own, and even found value listening to the other retailer’s questions and comment. All in all, it was a win-win event for everyone,” she said.
I couldn’t agree more.
But it was productive to be able to tell a designer their pieces may be too heavy, they might want to introduce their collection with more options, their prices are too low, etc. For a new designer, what could be better than getting honest feedback from those with whom you hope to work? And for retailers and editors, what better chance to use your industry and marketplace knowledge to help someone succeed?
“It was a great event,” Edelstein told me Wednesday. “The designers learned so much, from how to make a succinct two-minute pitch to how to handle the pressure of multiple retailers asking questions at once. Just hearing the different questions gives insight into the way a wholesale line needs to be merchandised so that it can please a buyer.”
She added that several of the designers got immediate orders following the panel.
“The retailers all said they had a great time, found lines they might not have discovered on their own, and even found value listening to the other retailer’s questions and comment. All in all, it was a win-win event for everyone,” she said.
I couldn’t agree more.
More on Editors
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.
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.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
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.
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.
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.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
