A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
4 Vicenzaoro Trend Takeaways
A panel of industry experts at the jewelry trade show weighed in on what role trends should play in a retailer’s buy.
Vicenza, Italy—At the September edition of Vicenzaoro, a panel of experts weighed in on what role trends should play in a retailer’s buy, and the answer was surprising.
Moderator Lauren Kulchinsky Levison, vice president of East Hampton, New York store Mayfair Rocks, led the discussion with Marco Carniello, Italian Exhibition Group’s jewelry and fashion division director; Paola De Luca, creative director and founder of forecasting company Trendvision; Jamie Freed, Farfetch’s global vice president, private clients; designer Alessio Boschi of AB Jewels; and Alessia Crivelli, marketing manager at Crivelli Gioielli, participating.
Here are four interesting points gleaned from the panel, which veered far and wide from the trend subject matter.
1. Omnichannel Has No Limits.
Freed, who joined the panel right after news broke of Farfetch’s initial public offering, in which the company was valued at $885 million, said that online shopping isn’t limited to low price points for fine jewelry.
Farfetch presents consumers with a uniform shopping platform that aggregates items from boutiques around the world, and the high-touch shopping experience has garnered consumer trust.
There are different levels of jewelry buys, with some consumers shopping in the $500 to $2,000 range and others in the up to $20,000 category. But, to Freed’s surprise, over the years another customer has emerged—one who is willing to spend upwards of $20,000 on fine jewelry online. The highest fine jewelry purchase at Farfetch to date is about $100,000, she shared.
Retailers should continue to invest their resources in omnichannel, to make the shopping experience the best it can be on every platform because customers are willing to evolve and meet them there.
2. Know Your Customer.
De Luca, who shares specific trend insights during her popular presentation each edition of Vicenzaoro, said that ultimately, knowing your customer is more important than following trends.
Don’t buy based on what’s hot now; buy based on what has historically proven to be a good investment in your store, the panel concluded.
For a store like Mayfair Rocks, that might be a one-of-a-kind elaborate pair of earrings by Lydia Courteille. For most stores in America, that will likely mean solitaire diamond stud earrings. Regardless, it’s important to buy based on the clients you’re already serving.
3. Everything Should Be Unique.
Rather than chasing trends, stores and brands should embrace their heritage and what makes them special, the panel said.
For designer Boschi, that means sticking to the innovation that drives him as
There’s nothing trendy about Boschi’s work, but judging by his buzzing booth in The Design Room section of the show, it resonates with a specific section of the market.
4. Find Your Own Way to Tell Stories.
Italian Exhibition Group’s Carniello said that more than just connecting retailers with brands, Vicenzaoro is designed to provide inspiration for stores to figure out how to provide a unique experience.
Consumers can find any information they want online, he elaborated, so they no longer have to consult a store for jewelry expertise. If they enjoy shopping somewhere, however, that will keep them coming back.
Stores should create their own trends and tell their own story so that they have value as a brand unto themselves.
“Every corner (of your store) should be an inspiration,” Carniello concluded.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.