Couture attendees should stop by booth 410 to see Francesca Villa’s rendition of antique “lover’s eye” jewelry.
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
National Jeweler rounded up five ways to spend the evening or treat your team.
The company attributed the decline to a “challenging” retail environment.
As the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry may still be increasing, the most notable change we are likely to see is price stabilization.
From social media strategy to colored gemstone updates, these are a few of the sessions JCK Las Vegas goers should attend.
Sponsored by Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd.
A springboard for more nascent jewelry designers and brands, the Design Atelier features 21 new faces this year.
GIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
A recent jewelry trends report sheds light on what likely will be hot when the industry descends on the desert.
The programming topics include gemology, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and more.
Shiona Turini will receive the “Diamond Influence Award.”
Emmanuel Raheb outlines six ways retailers can make brand relationships smoother and more beneficial for both parties.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition will showcase four designers at JCK Las Vegas and JCK Luxury.
Appointments can be made ahead of time for access to exclusive events.
The two industry giants are working together on a new marketing campaign.
The company sold $380 million in rough diamonds, compared with $479 million in the same period last year.
Color, storytelling, and the use of nonconventional materials are the signatures of today’s most innovative and influential designers.
A tie necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels and a pinkish purple diamond are highlights of the upcoming New York jewelry auction.
Inoveo Platinum will be distributed exclusively by Stuller in the U.S.
He is stepping down in August after eight years as CEO.
As prices of “The Big Three” skyrocket, supply dwindles, and focus on sustainability grows, an age of open-mindedness is dawning.
The fancy intense pink “The Eden Rose” is estimated to sell for up to $12 million at the New York “Magnificent Jewels” sale next month.
The “Pandora Essence” collection brings a contemporary and sculptural feel to staples like gold hoops and pearl necklaces.
The limited-seating learning event precedes its second annual trade show, which starts Aug. 11.
Sotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer in Paris this October.
Sherry Smith shares tips for fostering successful vendor-retailer partnerships, from marketing investment to fast-seller replenishment.
Herold has been with the organization for 22 years and will continue in her current role of conference director.