Mid-America Jewelry News Digital Magazine by newsmithinc

Mid-America Jewelry News

SOUTHERN JEWELRY NEWS

By Paul Holewa

Rasmussen Diamonds celebrated its 125th anniversary in June. The fifth generation of jewelers currently at the helm is doing their part to keep the main pillars of their family business going.

“The five main pillars of our business have really been the same over all five generations: Building relationships, practicing integrity in all we do, being the most educated in our field, maintaining a healthy work/family life, and being strongly involved in our community,” says store coowner Kristi Widmar (who owns the Racine, Wisconsin-based store with her husband Daniel).

Clinton Jewelers: Community Matters

A Century and Then Some, Wisconsin Jeweler Turns 125

By Wanda Freeman

In 1900, Rasmus Peter Rasmussen (known as R.P.) opened his doors on 910 State Street. R.P. built Rasmussens on selling jewelry and watches plus watchmaking and repairs. Other items included dry goods, hosiery, aprons, razors, and small home appliances, according to Kristi.

jewelry store swung into action befitting a longstanding commitment - both to the community and to a beloved cause.

The crisis at hand was a spate of fierce tornadoes tearing through the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and Southeast on May 16. One of those storms was a deadly EF-4 twister that devastated three counties in its path of havoc through the Daniel Boone National Forest.

When R.P.’s son Frank took over the store the focus on just jewelry and watches was his first order of business. But his real transitional and transformative change for the future was moving the store from State Street to Washington Avenue in the 1960s.

Clinton Jewelers has been at the same location on the square in downtown Albany, Kentucky since its opening in 1950.

“The tornado hit Russell, Pulaski, and Laurel counties,” Butler says of the area just north-northeast of Clinton County, where her Albany home and store - Clinton Jewelers - escaped harm.

“Our family donates to Samaritan’s Purse,” Butler says, so responding through that disaster-relief organization came naturally - as did a tried-and-true method of spurring public generosity: offering a small piece of jewelry whose purchase price would go to charity.

When Frank retired in 1977 his sub-contracted watchmaker Calvin Sustachek bought the

Please see Rasmussen page 4

Based on a past successful fundraiser that was so popular she had to “keep ordering the earrings,” Butler decided to go that route again - this time offering simple

silver-tone wrap bracelets with freshwater pearls from

After buying a supply of bracelets for $500, Butler says she sold them for $15 each and turned over the entire

gan ‘Wear Hope. Give Help.’ And we put them in little organza pouches. Then we posted a picture of the card and bracelet on Facebook, and we raised $3,000 in a few days,”

The post went up on May 26, and by May 30 all the

ued to roll in. Butler visited London, Ky., in Laurel County to deliver that first $3,000 check to Samaritan’s Purse on May 30 and mailed subsequent checks as more donations

Butler says that in addition to Samaritan’s Purse, her family pursues other ways to support the community and neighboring communities. As a retired educator, having taught for 29 years and served as a guidance counselor for 17 years in the Clinton County School District, she was long familiar with

Redefining How Retailers Do Business

Redeﬁning How Retailers Do Business

By Deborah Yonick

For more than four decades, ASHI® has delivered innovative ways to add value to its products and services, providing its retail jewelry partners with an advantage over their competition.

ASHI® combines trend-savvy design, deep in-stock inventory, cutting-edge analytics, and world-class marketing to fulfill

one mission: help its valued retail partners sell more, grow faster, and be the go-to bridal and fashion jewelry destination in their market.

Adding to a long and growing list of trailblazing tools of the trade, ASHI® is leveraging the benefits of AI power. Its latest addition, AVA, the AI-powered ASHI® Virtual Assistant.

AVA is engineered to revolu-

tionize how retailers interact with ASHI®’s B2B platform by delivering faster, smarter, and more intuitive service for retail partners. It can help retailers quickly find products, check stock availability, place orders, request quotes, and get accurate answers with speed and precision.

Smart Technology

In development for six months, AVA was engineered using OpenAI’s latest large language model (LLM) and is securely hosted on Microsoft Azure cloud - ensuring fast, reliable, and scalable performance across desktop and mobile devices.

“This cutting-edge assistant combines conversational AI with deep product integration to redefine the B2B buying journey,” explains Rajeev Pandya, who founded the company with his brother, Sanjay in New York

Please see ASHI page 32

Dubai Now

By Diana Jarrett

Dubai, the capital of the Emirate of Dubai is the most populous city in the UAE. By 2024, its population had topped 3.76 million residents. Over 90% of this bustling city’s inhabitants are expats. Since the mid-20th century, the region has expanded steadily as both a business hub and a tourist destination.

Petroleum exploration in the region commenced around 1950. And those oil revenues from UAE fast-tracked the development of Dubai. It may surprise you to learn that oil production today represents less than 1% of the emirates GDP, they claim. Still,

financial secrecy prevents one from gaining total insight into the machination of this enigmatic locale.

An ancient Arab proverb says “Daba Dubai,” meaning, “they came with a lot of money.” That must be right. Dubai in one form or another has been highlighted on maps and trading records for a thousand years.

Spot on the Gulf

By 1900 the village was established as a free port by the visionary Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher who would not impose taxation levies on imports or exports with traders. To sweeten the deal, he also gave the merchants

Please see Dubai page 16

Dubai’s DMCC hosts diamond and jewelry trade fairs. Image Dubai Chamber of Commerce

Fourth generation jewelers Bill and Kathy Sustacheck (seated), and fifth gen Kristi and Daniel Widmar (behind Bill and Kathy), pose with staff.

ClINToN

RASMUSSEN

Continued from page 3

Continued from page 1

the district’s Backpack program, which provides food for children to take home. Now she donates annually to Backpack, her latest benefit in December 2024 being a sterling silver pearl drop sale that netted $1,200 for the cause.

store and owned it with his wife Marilyn. Their son Bill managed the store from the start while their daughter-in-law Kathy helped with store management and sales.

Eleven years later, Bill and Kathy took the reins of Rasmussens. Eventually their daughters Katrina and Kristi worked in the store. And, in 2017, Kristi and her husband Daniel become the third generation of Sustacheks to own the store.

When Calvin bought the store it was the start of the Sustachek family change in operations and sales. Similar to most jewelry stores, Rasmussens has something for everyone. But since the early 1980s, the family store has strived to be a diamond and diamond jewelry destination, from fashion to fine and, of course, bridal jewelry. They were so committed to this change the store was renamed Rasmussen Diamonds in the mid-1990s.

“Since we shifted our focus to diamonds a few decades ago, growth has been significant, we were able to move into a much bigger location, and we are top of mind for diamonds in our market,” says Kristi.

maker and jeweler. The watchmaking and watch repair operation was a dominant part of the business while Shearer was alive (he died in 2019), but Butler says the store now focuses on retail, jewelry repair, and creating custom jewelry.

Butler retired from teaching in 2013 and began to work full-

“We have tried our best to expand our reach through a handful of channels. Events have been a great way to introduce new guests to our store,” says Kristi. “Holding unique events [estate shows, big sales, buying events] have allowed us to become acquainted with customers from further away. We have also tried to slowly expand paid digital advertising to

equal, and now, I think about 80 to 90 percent of our sales are yel-

Another major development is the rise of permanent jewelryin which a bracelet or anklet is fitted to the wearer and then welded

initiatives - and then rolling them out gradually, with clear incentives and follow-through - leads to real, lasting improvement.”

“David and Logan attended a Stuller workshop on permanent jewelry and came home saying it’s going to be the next big thing. And it has been!”

Kristi and Daniel knew the prudent approach to growth in sales and market expansion would soon bear out the true sign of success - not having to wear so many hats. When Rasmussens began using The Edge software, Kristi and her staff found all kinds of inconsistencies in images and product descriptions across the spectrum, from the POS system to the website.

Now Logan and Jessica regularly handle permanent jewelry at events such as festivals. Butler says that both in-store and off-site, their permanent-jewelry sales have created many new, wonderful customers of all ages.

Marketing techniques have also changed, as when the Covid shutdown in 2020 forced Clinton Jewelers to expand its Facebook presence with Facebook Live Sales events. Now the store does four such events a year, shipping orders all over the United States.

their customers and responding to their needs while prioritizing relationships over transactions has created the most valuable commodity a retail jeweler can possess - trust.

Bill and Kathy were the store owners when technology began to move from fax machines to digital- and social media-based marketing and promotions. But Kristi and Daniel took these tasks to the next level while shaking up the inventory mix and expanding appraisal services with two AGS Certified Gemologist Appraisers on staff.

The only independent jewelry store in the area, Clinton Jewelers has been at the same location on the square in downtown Albany since 1950, when Butler’s father, Bill Shearer, opened it.

“He grew up in Wayne County and moved here to start the business,” Butler says. Shearer had served in World War II and went to jewelry school on the G.I. Bill. He became a master watch-

Equally important are Rasmussens three major shifts that have put the family store on a well-paved path for success, according to Daniel. The first change was moving into a new, larger retail space in 1998. The corner store in a strip mall is not just a high traffic and high visibility location; it’s also a location that offers store expansion opportunities, which Kristi and Daniel are “actively planning.”

time in the store, where her husband David has been a bench jeweler since 1986. He handles repair, custom design, and stone-setting.

The couple’s son Logan attended the New Approach School for Jewelers in Arrington, Tennessee, received watch-tech training, and began working at the store in 2021. Logan’s wife Jessica works part-time at the store and manages online sales events. The store

“The relationship approach has not only created loyal and multi-generational customers but has also kept us grounded in our mission to serve with integrity and care,” says Daniel.

The other two major shifts, according to Daniel, are more sales and customer service oriented than operational. Listening to

MAJN

Established 1988

Editor, Bill Newnam

Contributing Writers

Breaking the one century barrier demonstrates the test of time and the ability to make a friend of the passage of time, not an enemy. Rasmussens has embraced a “slow and steady wins

the race” approach to success, with incremental changes instead of “everything, all at once.”

“Earlier in our leadership, Kristi and I would return from industry conferences energized and armed with a long list of 20 ideas we wanted to implement immediately,” says Daniel. “But the truth was, when we tried to change everything at once, nothing really stuck. We’ve since learned that prioritizing just a few high-impact

“My dad would be amazed at what we’ve done,” Butler says. “He used to like looking at Facebook, and he’d say, put that ring on Facebook, we need to sell

Mason Wagner was hired specifically to be the store’s marketing manager to iron these problems out while refining and expanding digital and social media marketing along with many communications functions. Sarah Shingledecker was also hired for shipping and receiving as well as inventory, while Katrina Sustachek focuses exclusively on appraisals as the operations man-

Every year the family attends the Atlanta Jewelry Show and an RJO show, where the roundtables prove to be invaluable resources for keeping up with trends.

Tyler Albright is the sales ﬂoor manager and there are three full-time sales associates and two goldsmiths. “These staffing choices give Daniel and me the freedom to manage day-to-day operations less and concentrate more on the health of our business and its future.”

Between the educational and informative shows, Butler says the store’s secret to success is listening to customers.

“We try our best to give them what they want. And we want to be good stewards in the community.”

She hopes that her acts of community support such as the fundraiser for tornado relief will catch on with others.

“I hope other small stores will be inspired to do something like this,” she says. “If everybody gives a little, it can make a difference.”

Rasmussens celebrated their 125th anniversary from June 19 to 21 with a block party and open house. In 2050, the store may very well celebrate another significant milestone anniversary. “I love the fact that our daughter is working in the store with us and is very passionate about keeping it going into the sixth generation,” says Kristi.

bill@southernjewelrynews.com

Slav Galkin

Publisher, Chris Smith

Slav Galkin

chris@southernjewelrynews.com

Diana Jarrett

Chuck Koehler

Administration and classiﬁed advertising

Martha Osswald

Chuck Koehler

Mid-America Jewelry News

martha@southernjewelrynews.com

Martha Osswald martha@southernjewelrynews.com

2006 New Garden Road - Suite 208 Greensboro, NC 27410

Southern Jewelry News

2006 New Garden Road - Suite 208

Phone: 336-389-1950

Staff Writers

Greensboro, NC 27410

Fax: 336-389-1952

Wanda Freeman

Phone: 336-389-1950

www.southernjewelrynews.com

Paul Holewa

Fax: 336-389-1952

email: info@southernjewelrynews.com

Diana Jarrett

www.southernjewelrynews.com

Deborah Yonick

Vice President Sales

Elesa B. Dillon

elesa@southernjewelrynews.com

email: info@southernjewelrynews.com

Any views or opinions presented in this publication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Mid-America Jewelry News.

Any views or opinions presented in this publication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Southern Jewelry News.

Clinton Jewelers - a family business. (L-R) Donna and David Butler with their son Logan and his wife Jessica.

Inside Clinton Jewelers.

Rasmussen Diamonds in Racine, Wisconsin.

Inside Rasmussen Diamonds.

The Story Behind the Stone Leaﬁng through some Greens

By Diana Jarrett

Green colored gems are continually favored the world over. It would not be hyperbole to say that they deliver a fresh upbeat vibe to wearers choosing this color. Emerald comes to mind as a centuries old beloved green stone. If it was good enough for Cleopatra it’s - well you know.

Still, emeralds are prone to internal inclusions called jardin for their branch-like appearance and are the result of their concussive recovery method. B&D - short for blast and drill, is a traditional method of harvesting emeralds. Incidentally, professionals may suspect an emerald to be created if it lacks these identifying inclusions. The concussive blasts create the internal jardin in emeralds, a somewhat softer stone ranking 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale. Fortunately trade approved treatments improve the appearance and salability of these coveted green sparklers.

Lively Options

But there are other green transparent to translucent gemstones that are no longer considered as simply ‘semi-precious’ jewels which deliver clarity and

tints that emerald fans crave.

Varieties of certain species are indeed rare collectors trophies now. And many of them offer exciting options with a compelling story that consumers are drawn to.

the garnet family. It’s true that many garnets have ancient origins. But this lively variation was first seen in Russia’s Ural Mountains in 1851. The stunned miners were hypnotized by the gem’s diamond-like refractive nature and

Here’s a look at three dazzling contenders in the verdant category. They may also find favor with your customers who long for a striking option to emerald.

• Demantoid - This charming green jewel is a member of

• Tsavorite - In a nod to the Tsavo East National Park in Kenya, tsavorite is a 20th century newbie to the gem world. Discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, the unique variety of grossular garnet soon gained popularity thanks

started calling it the old German name for diamond, which is demantoid. The remarkable dispersion and slightly yellowish green tint, unlike anything else made this gem the muse of legendary jeweler Karl Fabergé.

With so many shades of peridot found in appealing transparent to translucent gemstones, your customers may find they prefer this stone to emerald (or in addition to) which can help them build a meaningful jewelry wardrobe.

Who’s to Say?

Just because consumers hadn’t known about these gems previously, doesn’t mean they

to Tiffany & Co’s marketing campaign in the 1970s. Tsavorite relies on traces of vanadium (principally) and chromium in its crystals for imparting the vivid straight Alpine green to the spectacular stones.

• Peridot - One of the benefits of modern global access to gemstone availability is discovering the wide range of nuanced tints within one gem variety. Take peridot for instance.

Historically, peridot was first mined near the Red Sea. And abundant supplies were harvested from China throughout time. Today, the lion’s share of commercial grade peridot hails from Arizona. With each locale, the tints might vary somewhat. So one can find almost yellow to yellowish green, to lime, olive, and brownish green at deposits around the world.

won’t become die-hard fans of the stones now. Often alternate green gems to emeralds of the same size and quality are priced more attractively for your customers. Who’s to say your clientele won’t add some of each green stone and find great joy in acquiring these lesser known grassy jewels?

Award winning trade journalist and gemologist Diana Jarrett is a Registered Master Valuer Appraiser and a member of the Association of Independent Jewellery Valuers (AIJV). She’s a popular speaker at conferences and trade shows. Jarrett writes for trade and consumer publications, online outlets, her blog: Color-n-Ice, and www.jewelrywebsitedesigners.com. Contact her at diana@dianajarrett.com, visit her website at www.dianajarrett.com, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter (Loupey).

Diana Jarrett

Demantoid garnet. Photo Sirius Gems

Tsavorite garnet. Photo Saltworks Consulting

Fine peridot. Photo Heritage Auctions

The New Luxury Shift: How jewelry is outshining handbags this holiday season

Something curious is happening in the world of luxury and it’s not just a trend piece in a fashion magazine. Shoppers, especially younger ones, are quietly closing their wallets on high-end handbags - and opening them for fine jewelry instead. According to The Wall Street Journal, luxury leather goods took a noticeable dip in Q2 2025, with LVMH reporting a 9% drop in sales. Meanwhile Richemont, the parent company of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, saw an

11% rise in jewelry sales. That’s not just a seasonal fluctuation, it’s a signal.

For years, handbags were the entry point to luxury. But prices have inflated faster than a fashion influencer’s follower count. What used to be a $1,200 indulgence now runs $3,800, and for many shoppers, the charm is wearing thin. Especially when that charm comes in beige canvas with goldtone hardware and a six-month waitlist.

Jewelry, by contrast, is hav-

ing a quiet renaissance. A slim gold bangle or a delicate diamond pendant isn’t just an accessory, it’s a symbol of permanence in a world that increasingly feels disposable. Jewelry doesn’t expire with the season, doesn’t rise and fall with TikTok trends, and never gets marked down in January like that “It” bag you had to have. There’s also the Lipstick Effect to consider. The well-documented behavioral quirk where, in times of economic uncertainty, consumers still crave luxury -

JULES BOREL & COMPANY

WACHMAKERS & JEWELERS FOR OVER 100 YEARS

By Slav Galkin

just in smaller, more meaningful doses. In the past, it meant a $45 lipstick. Today, it might mean a $500 pendant. The logic is the same: a little luxury still goes a long way in making people feel good during uncertain times. And there’s a practical side too. Gold and diamonds hold real, intrinsic value. A handbag? Only if you didn’t take the tag off and kept the dust bag. Jewelry, on the other hand, is timeless and emotionally charged. It marks moments. It tells stories. No one

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passes down a tote bag at their wedding. As Vogue Business recently pointed out in their article “Jewelry’s Bright Moment and the Looming Risks”, this surge isn’t accidental. Consumers are gravitating toward jewelry as a luxury category that still offers authenticity and long-term value. While gold prices have soared past $3,400/oz, major brands have kept price increases modest, making jewelry feel both accessible and intelligent. Brands like Cartier and Pomellato are expanding their offerings from six-figure high jewelry into more approachable price points. The result? Jewelry is now the only luxury category, seeing both rising customer counts and rising average spend.

But the most interesting twist isn’t happening at the flagship level, it’s happening on Main Street. As legacy brands double down on familiar icons, a new fatigue is setting in. Consumers are increasingly wary of “status-byalgorithm,” where everyone owns the same bracelet, follows the same influencer, and ends up giving (and receiving) the same gift.

This is where independent jewelers have a rare and powerful advantage.

Buyers are looking for something more human. They want to discover, not just consume. And independent stores offer something the big brands can’t: a sense of personal connection, curation, and narrative. A shopper can walk into a well-run local store and find a modern heirloom, not just a product. They can hear the story behind the design, trust the person behind the counter, and leave with something that feels chosen not mass-produced.

At a time when even luxury is starting to feel generic, the independent jeweler’s ability to offer one-of-a-kind design, custom service, and emotional authenticity is exactly what today’s luxury consumer is craving. This holiday season, the opportunity isn’t just to sell more, it’s to become the kind of store people tell stories about. The kind of place where meaning, not marketing, takes center stage.

Slav Galkin is the Vice President of Strategic Business Development for Gems One/Alpha Lab Grown. Learn more about Gems One at GemsOne.com.

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The Retailer’s Perspective A Little of This and That

By Chuck Koehler

I was talking to a young bench jeweler at the RJO show in Chicago who has only been in our industry a couple of years. The subject of ‘red flags’ that you should look for when it came to bench jewelers came up. Hah! Red ﬂags are what deﬁne us!

If any bench jeweler you meet doesn’t have these personality traits, you must rethink your relationship with that person.

Personality

If your bench jeweler has one, that’s a red ﬂag. As a rule, bench jewelers are very creative,

talented, introverts. Bench jewelers choose to spend their entire career in a small space that a retail store carved out for them, as far away from the showroom as possible, so no one will know it’s there. And, with all of the statistics that dictate how much every square foot of a retail location should generate in sales, that space in the back is way smaller than it should be. Oh, and don’t forget it also doubles as a storeroom and coat rack.

Intellect

Very high, they just won’t let you see it. See above note about personality. Unless you do bench

work for a living, it’s hard to comprehend the difficulty of the job. They have to go from setting a 2 carat, $20,000 diamond, to reweaving a broken, gunked up, hollow rope chain, to retipping a dozen prongs, all without losing their place on each job

Then, a sales staffer walks back and asks ‘pretty please’ if you could drop whatever you were doing because whatever they are holding in their hands is far more important than the other jobs on your bench. And then, after the disruption, they have to remember where they were with the project they were working on

before they were interrupted. I’m not lying when I say you have to be really intelligent to do that job. Very outgoing and the life of the party

Serious red flag! Okay, maybe once in a while, but definitely not a dominant personality trait of the trained bench jeweler. As a rule, they have no problem spending hours and hours by themselves. It should actually be on the job application: ‘Are you capable of spending up to 8 hours per day without any other human interaction?’ Of course, they don’t tell you during the interview that was a trick question,

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since someone is going to come in about every 6 minutes and bug you about something.

Great conversationalist

That’s not a bench jeweler, that’s an imposter. Bench jewelers are trained professionals at not talking. Unless, of course, they are talking to other bench jewelers. Then they can talk all day about how horrible it is at the store they work at because the salespeople come back and bother them about every six minutes and won’t leave them alone. Worse yet, those same sales people want the bench jeweler to come out front and talk to those people they call customers. Oh, the humanity.

A couple of years ago, I was in my shop and heard a customer come in. My assistant, Anna, greets them and starts to ask her how she could help, when the customer said, “I need to talk to the jeweler.” Anna assured her that she could help her, but the lady was insistent, and borderline rude. This goes on for a few minutes, so I just got up and walked out front to deal with the situation.

The customer had a ‘Home Shopping Club’ special with a simple broken solder joint on the bottom, a very common problem. I look at her, throw my hands out with that ‘What do you want?’ look. She showed me her broken ‘buy it for only 6 EZ payments of $69 a month’ piece of garbage. I looked at Anna and said, “$45 and next Friday,” and walked away. The customer looked at Anna and said, “Well he was certainly unpleasant.” To which Anna replied, “I tried to warn you.” What can I say - I’m a bench jeweler at heart.

Loves to go out front and meet with customers

Who is this person and what have you done with my bench jeweler? See all of the above. But seriously, why do the front-ofthe-house people insist that the back-of-the-house people stop what they’re doing and go up and help them do their job?

What would happen if your bench jeweler walked up front

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CHUCK

Continued from page 10

and interrupted a salesperson, in the middle of a sale, and asked them to stop what they were doing and insists that they come back to the shop and help them?

“Alex, I’ll take ‘Things that will never happen for $1,000, please.” In all honesty though, the only time we really need help is either understanding instructions, deciphering illegible handwriting, or helping us find that 3.5 x 2.0 mm baguette sapphire that just flew out of our tweezers.

Loves to be interrupted

Not! This happened to me recently. I ordered a couple of 5.7 mm diamonds to set into earrings

to match a customer’s solitaire pendant. One minute both of the diamonds are in front of me, and the next minute/hour/day (who can keep up), I could only find one. So, we all know what happens next; you start cleaning till you find it. I didn’t ﬁnd it. I didn’t find it the next day either, or the one after that.

After about a week, I resign myself to the fact that I’m just going to have to order another one because I didn’t have that specific size in stock - bummer! And, of course, it was a natural diamond, not a lab grown. Finally, I couldn’t put it off any longer and decide to order a replacement.

I reached over to the shelf beside my bench and grabbed my Leveridge gauge to measure the one diamond that I hadn’t lost yet, and son of a bitch, there it was. Turns out, I was measuring the lost diamond so I could order the mountings, and I got interrupted. At some point that day, forgetting what I was doing beforehand, I just put my Leverage gauge back where it belongs on that shelf. Whew! And that’s why we hate to be interrupted.

Also, I’d like to give a big shout out to RJO for bringing in several of us bench jewelers from around the country to host roundtable discussions and classroom instruction for bench jewelers at their Chicago show. I had a blast doing it, and I hope everyone that attended our programs liked what we brought to the show.

And, as usual, my friend Anish, from Star Gems debuted the ‘next big thing’ as is customary with Anish and his team. I was sitting at the bar when Anish started telling me about his new app that uses AI to design jewelry. Because I was drinking a bottled beer at the time, he asked his program to design a 14K gold pendant, with 6 small diamonds, in the shape of a beer bottle. Within about 30 seconds, there it was on his phone, complete with pricing in 14K or 10K, and natural or lab grown diamonds. It was awesome.

And, if you’re coming to the Atlanta Jewelry Show, stop by the Southern/Mid-America Jewelry News booth and say hi to me.

Chuck is the owner of Anthony Jewelers in Nashville, TN. Chuck also owns CMK Co., a wholesale trade shop that specializes in custom jewelry and repair services to the jewelry industry nationwide. If you would like to contact Chuck or need a speaker or instructor for your next conference/event he can be reached at 615-354-6361, or send e-mail to info@southernjewelrynews.com.

GN Diamond, an industry leader for GIA certified, natural loose diamonds, lab diamonds, and finished diamond jewelry, has been awarded the RJO Vendor of the Year in the category of Loose Diamonds. GN has earned this recognition for multiple years - 2021, 2022, 2024 and now 2025.

GN Diamond named 2025 RJO Vendor of the Year for Loose Diamonds Salesone LLC celebrates 25 years behind INOX Men’s Jewelry

The RJO Awards are selected by the retail membership and are given to draw attention and recognize outstanding members for excellence in sales, service and support.

“Every morning, I tell my team the most important asset of this company is the employees that make up GN,” says Asaf Herskovitz, CEO GN Diamond. “Our team strives hard each and every day to consistently provide the best customer service in the industry and to build long-lasting relationships with our retail partners. We are so humbled to have been voted Vendor of the Year for Loose Goods by RJO members for 2025. Thank you to our fabulous RJO retailer partners, we appreciate your vote!”

To learn more about GN Diamond visit gndiamond.com, email sales@gndiamond.com, or call 800-724-8810. GN partners with over 5,500 independent, retail jewelry stores across the country. “We are solely dedicated to help jewelers sell more diamonds,” says Asaf.

(NORWALK, Conn.) - Salesone LLC, the parent company of INOX Men’s Jewelry, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Over the past quarter-century, Salesone has grown from a small jewelry distributor to a leader in men’s jewelry, with INOX contributing to its success.

Founded in 2000, Salesone initially made its mark with body jewelry brands like Bodyvibe, but it was the launch of INOX Men’s Jewelry that really set the company apart. Known for its high-

quality stainless steel designs, INOX has earned a loyal following through relatable marketing and bold, contemporary jewelry styles. A standout innovation has been the creation of “Man Caves” - in-store retail spaces designed to provide a comfortable, engaging shopping experience for male customers. This approach has helped jewelry stores attract and connect with men who are often overlooked in traditional jewelry marketing.

Salesone’s success can also be credited to its dedicated team of employees who have been with the company since its early days. Their hard work, loyalty, and passion for design have been instrumental in the company’s longevity and resilience in a competitive market.

“Celebrating 25 years is a huge milestone, and it’s all thanks to our incredible team,” says Mark Hollis, Founder and CEO. “We’ve always focused on elevating our designs and materials every year, and our team has been essential to that success. INOX continues to grow and innovate because of their dedication.”

Alongside INOX, Salesone’s other brands, including Invictus Body Jewelry, Bodyvibe, and Salesone Studios, have also made significant strides in their respective markets. Together, these brands have helped Salesone become a trusted partner for retailers worldwide.

Looking ahead, Salesone remains focused on expanding its product offerings and continuing to deliver top-notch service and design innovation to its global retail partners.

About Salesone LLC

Founded in 2000, Salesone LLC designs, manufactures, and distributes jewelry and accessories, including INOX Men’s Jewelry, Invictus Body Jewelry, Bodyvibe, and Salesone Studios. The company is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut.

View the INOX Men’s Jewelry offerings at www.inox-us. com.

parcels of land with guarantees of protection and tolerance. While bin Hasher’s reign was short, having died in 1906, he left behind a unified Dubai with a thriving port and a pearl trade directly employing some 7,000 men.

By the mid-20th century, oil became the focus of the Middle East’s exports. And in 1966, years after the commencement of its oil exploration, Abu Dhabi discovered oil in territorial waters off Dubai. The population subsequently swelled by some 300% from 1966 to 1975.

Exploding Commerce

Against this exotic, ancient backdrop, Dubai is bursting onto the global stage again, by stirring up excitement with today’s international traders. A recently taped conversation, Discover Dubai; the Business Hub of the Future, Martin Rapaport and Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman & CEO of DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) explored what’s going on there.

Diversify into the Future Rapaport, founder of Rapaport Diamond Report, animatedly probed, “Why Dubai? It was all desert!” Reflecting on an earlier

visit decades ago, he recalled, “When I was here in 2004 or 2005 there was nothing. We were in a small office at the airport.”

Bin Sulayem quickly offered, “We had to diversify - which is important.”

And for Dubai, that means an intentional move away from oil exports that created billionaires of the regions citizens for decades. But it’s not a completely

new idea. Since 2016, business journals covering the region have been reporting on ways the Middle East would transition from its oil exports reliance.

Western Perspective

Charles Carmona, president and founder of Guild Labs, Los Angeles, (www.guildlabs. com) shared his take on Dubai now. “I was in Dubai in February 2023 for the ICA (International Colored Gemstone Association) Congress.” He attended the large gathering of trade members held at the DMCC for this event. “Dubai is like Las Vegas, but on steroids.”

He also took mental notes on what was there, and what wasn’t. “Glitz and glamour were everywhere with no expense spared. There was just no gambling that I saw - nor alcohol, except in designated [hotel] areas.”

Dress for Dubai

Carmona realized Dubai was a land of divergencies. “Such contrasts. Local women wore the traditional dress, but their huge expatriate community were seen in the latest fashions from Paris, Milan or New York. Every corner has a more expansive shopping mall than the previous.”

Ginger Peterson, CEO and founder of PCF International Integrated Marketing & Technology, (www.pcfinternational. com) added, “Dubai is one of the cleanest cities I’ve ever seen. It’s an architectural wonder to visualize, and seeing it in person is like none other!”

Dubai is very fashionable so bring your very best business attire, Peterson said. “Women dressing conservatively shows respect for their culture - like not showing a lot of skin but dressing in moderate length skirts or pants.” She noticed most women wore heels paired with designer

handbags, and modest jewelry.

Madrid-based jewelry designer Lisi Fracchia, (www.lisifracchia.com) has been to Dubai five times. She was invited by MUBRI, an international jewelers association, to visit Dubai in 2023. There she received a Global Icon award from the Chamber of Commerce India for her Spiral Rings collection.

The officials admired that large ring collection, which can be crafted in 15 different gems. But they also expressed delight in her choice of a long loose fitting dress to accept her award. “They were really pleased that I was wearing their style of clothing, saying they respected that very much. It was my way of thanking them for the award.”

Shift Away from Oil

According to Energy Trader Asia, “The UAE is undergoing a significant transformation in its economy, gradually moving away from a heavy reliance on oil. The country has been proactive in diversifying its revenue streams, with an increased focus on sectors like tourism, technology, and renewable energy.”

The report further explained what was behind the seemingly radical re-direction. “Spurred by

the crash in oil prices in 2014, the UAE realized its vulnerabilities in a fluctuating global market. So much of its economic growth is dependent on oil production.”

Peterson, who traveled there recently, witnessed Dubai’s construction boom. “Dubai International Airport, the busiest in the world, also operates very smoothly. Everything in UAE is well organized, superbly designed, and created to maximize space. They say the world’s construction cranes all go to Dubai and I can believe it. I saw 100s of construction cranes everywhere I looked - it was building, building everywhere.”

Gold and Diamond’s Future Today, there’s a massive push for developing multiple robust revenue streams in Dubai. The diamond, gemstone and jewelry trade folds perfectly into its new strategy.

Jewelry, particularly gold, is not new for the Middle East, but until recently it was solely their own cultural enterprise. Jawhara Jewellery, a 107 year old business has over 300 stores in 11 Middle Eastern countries. Tawhid Abdullah, Jawhara’s CEO, and Chairman of Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group offers insight into gold jewelry’s place in their culture. Responding to “what’s happening locally?” he was straightforward. “Over 19 million tourists are coming here this year.” Importantly, Abdullah offered, the local market is growing equally with the commercial business at about 5-8% growth annually. With this influx of tourism, people come here to spend, he explained. “Jewelry needs to be available for all cultures.”

The Gold They Love The souks (markets) are full

Designer Fracchia buying gold chains, diamonds and tanzanite at DMCC. Image Lisi Fracchia

Nighttime skyline in Dubai. Image Ginger Peterson

Andy Lucas and Ruby Liu (Guild Gem Labs) speak about the colored gem market in China, ICA Conference Dubai. Image Charles Carmona

Col/Clar

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D-VS1

Direct Mail That Delivers

A Brilliant Future Is Here.

Online Courses from GIA Experts

Start learning from anywhere with self-paced online courses created by the leader in gemological research. Designed for working professionals, GIA® courses on diamonds, colored stones, pearls, and jewelry deliver knowledge you need to advance your career.

of jewelry items. That’s because “gold is very important to Dubaiit’s part of our culture - and it’s part of budgeted spending every month for local families including the young generation.” So it’s understood that the jewelry store is part of the community. Jewelry for marriages is very heavily spent on,” Abdullah pointed out.

Fracchia was intrigued by the local gold jewelry sold in the bazaar, especially on her first trip to Dubai years ago. “The souk! The way they sell gold and ornaments, theirs are very heavy.” She recalled, “It was a really great place to buy gemstones. You could buy the most amazing tanzanite I’ve ever seen in my whole life,”

She took note of the products presented at Dubai’s trade shows. There were diamond, gemstone jewelry and mountings, naturally. Still she was surprised by all the companies that went there. While they may not have displayed the widest extent of jewelry as in other fairs, what exhibitors took were all superior merchandise.

Fracchia was pleased to share her iconic gold cuff bracelet at Dubai, which showed all the countries in the Emirates, and featured palm trees and Abu Dabi. The 20 gemologists she joined from around the world all agreed on one thing, “while

Dubai has many different traditions and customs, a woman feels safe to buy gemstones and jewelry there.”

“Gold chains, gemstones and mountings were clearly there, but not all the gemological tools and instruments needed for our trade,” she found. This contrasted noticeably with jewelry manufacturing instruments offered in other fairs. “In Turkey for instance, they display the very latest instruments including lasers and have a section for showing machinery just for our jewelry business,” Fracchia said.

The Dubai jewelry fairs are evolving. “I plan to attend Dubai’s next fair in October. Currently the latest jewelry trends in Europe and Spain favor very delicate pieces, quite different from what’s offered in the Emirates. The Europeans are creating diminutive designs, not heavy like the Emirates are used to,” Fracchia pointed out. “So we are bringing companies to show that.” Fracchia said they really consider what the buyers at the jewelry fairs want. So the Emirates are showing these small and light jewelry items knowing they’ll do well at their shows. As the expos keep growing, they draw more exhibitors from across the globe.

A Star on the Ascent

Carmona projected, “As far as the jewelry industry, this region is working very hard to make itself into another major international trading center.” They’ll accomplish this by giving various promotions and subsidies that encourages foreign investment, he explained. “They understand that petro-dollars will not last forever, so they know that they have to build a sustainable economy for the future.”

Peterson was awed by the enormity of development in this forward-thinking region. “Yes, Dubai is truly an international city with a very international crowd. The Burj Khalifa looks really tall and slim from a distance, when you exit Dubai International Airport.” The closer you approach, she found, “you are impacted by the sheer enormity of the tallest skyscraper in the world!”

And Dubai has not peaked with its development, Peterson points out. “Dubai will soon break ground with building the 2nd largest high-rise in the world which will be called Burj Azizi. That should be completed in 2028, towering some 2,379 feet tall, with 133 floors.”

Bin Sulayem and Rapaport wrapped up their conversation with projections of their own for the decades ahead. “There’s a good vibe here - a tremendously positive vibe,” claimed Rapaport. “It’s kind of a haven, with cultural integration, it has the foundation of everything.”

Bin Sulayem added, “His Highness is looking to make Dubai a culturally integrated hub. We take inspiration from that.” He waxed philosophically with Rapaport about DMCC’s future. “Happiness comes and goes. So we have to let it happen. Happy days don’t last, and sad days don’t last forever We’re aiming for meaning - not happiness.”

Rapaport’s take away of Dubai mirrors that of others in the trade. “Just being here in Dubaia week or ten days, it’s eye opening.”

Night view of Burj Khalifa Dubai. Image Ginger Peterson

Industry Events

JIS Fall 2025 expands buyer opportunities with fresh styles, more international pavilions, and new-to-show brands

(NORWALK, Conn.) - As the jewelry market transitions from summer’s bright and playful styles to the more refined aesthetics of fall, the JIS Fall Show will offer industry buyers and professionals a timely opportunity to source new inventory, learn from industry experts, and prepare for the final sales quarter of the year.

JIS Fall is one of the largest jewelry trade shows in the U.S., taking place October 10 - 13, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The show is positioned to support retailers as they align with shifting seasonal trends and consumer demands ahead of the holiday season.

Refresh Your Inventory with the Season

Retailers of all sizes - from independent boutiques to multistore operations - will find JIS Fall perfectly timed to update their inventory and refresh their offerings. As demand turns toward richer, more polished pieces, JIS Fall provides a curated space to discover what’s next in style - and what’s driving sales.

With over 600 exhibitors, the show floor will span the full range of the industry - from fine jewelry and lab-grown stones to trenddriven silver styles and the latest in retail equipment and services. Retailers can shop for immediate delivery or place orders for later

shipment, offering flexibility to meet varying inventory and delivery needs.

Explore New Brands

JIS Fall also welcomes a diverse mix of returning favorites and first-time exhibitors, offering buyers access to a wide range of jewelry styles, manufacturing capabilities, and price points. New exhibitors this year include:

• Isambrosiana - Fine jewelry in 18k gold or platinum with natural gemstones and lab-grown diamond options; includes vintage-inspired collections.

• Hueb - Unique, elegant jewelry crafted with Brazilian warmth and sophistication and crafted for modern, confident women.

• Aiya Designs - A fourthgeneration jewelry house producing gold, silver, and diamond pieces at accessible price points.

• Allison Wesdorp Design - Art prints and gifts based on original watercolor paintings of jewelry and gemstones.

• Dev Jewels - Lab-grown diamond collections blending luxury, sustainability, and innovation.

Key Pavilions at the Show

To help buyers navigate efficiently, the show floor is organized into targeted product pavilions, with each designed to make sourcing easier and more productive:

• Fine Jewelry PavilionThe show’s largest section, showcasing both classic and contemporary fine pieces.

• Galleria Pavilion - A premium space with high-end collections, supported by daily networking events in the Galleria Lounge.

• Silver & Fashion Pavilion

- Presents accessible, trend-conscious designs in silver and mixed materials.

• Lab Grown PavilionDedicated to lab-created diamonds and gemstones, one of the fastest-growing product segments.

• ETS Pavilion (Equipment, Technology & Services) - Focused on tools, packaging, software, and services that support

back-end business operations.

• The Plumb Club - A coalition of suppliers across the fine jewelry, diamond, and watch industries.

The 2025 edition also expands international representation, with both returning and newly launching country pavilions:

• Türkiye - 14k and 18k gold and diamond jewelry, presented in partnership with the Turkish Jewellery Exporters Association.

• Hong Kong - A high-volume sourcing destination hosted by HKJMA, offering direct access to global manufacturers.

• Italy - Featuring curated collections from Italian designers known for quality and craftsmanship.

• India and Spain - Newly expanded international pavilions highlighting regional jewelry design and manufacturing.

• Thailand and more!

What sets JIS Fall apart is the experience. From daily networking opportunities to relaxed lounges and vibrant international pavilions, the atmosphere is both professional and welcoming, making it easy to explore, learn, and connect.

Register for JIS Fall to secure your badge, browse the exhibitor list, and explore travel details at jisshow.com. Stay informed by following JIS on social media for updates, product previews, and exhibitor highlights.

The Edge and Edge Retail Academy invite retailers to 2025 Annual Conference

(SHELTON, Conn.) - The Edge and The Edge Retail Academy are welcoming users back to its headquarters for the 2025 Edge and Edge Academy Annual Conference, set to take place September 15 - 17. This complimentary event, exclusive for Edge users and Edge Retail Academy members, will feature expert-led sessions focused on driving prof-

tendees will also get an inside look at new features from The Edge, along with advanced tools like Edge Pulse - a powerful tool designed to provide real-time insights into sales, sales team performance, and top sellers via mobile.

In addition to educational content, the conference offers retailers a chance to connect

ing with peer networking and a focus on the future, we’re helping retailers not only stay competitive but thrive in an ever changing market.”

The conference is sponsored by The Edge’s partners, who will be announced closer to the date. Space is limited, and participation is open to one or two representatives per store, owners or man-

Email: contact@pickensinc.com

480 E. Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA. 30305

itability and preparing retailers for a strong fourth quarter and beyond.

The conference agenda includes deep dives into inventory strategies, staff performance, client retention and acquisition, and emerging market trends. At-

through networking events, including a welcome cocktail reception on Monday evening and a group dinner on Tuesday night.

“This event is about empowering our customers,” said Dick Abbott, Edge President. “By combining in-person learn-

agers. As in past years, spots are expected to fill quickly. Retailers are encouraged to register early. Visit theedgestories.com/ edge-conference to register, view the conference schedule, and get travel information.

OURS BEGINS WITH RESPONSIBILITY.

Through trusted partnerships with responsible mining communities — from tourmalines in Brazil to sapphires in Montana and emeralds in Africa — each Harmony Gemstone by Hoover & Strong reﬂects our deep commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. With a transparent, traceable journey and respect for both people and planet, our conﬂict-free diamonds and gems are as conscientious as they are beautiful. Choose stones responsibly. Choose Hoover & Strong.

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Rembrandt Charms launches new website and retailer dashboard to enhance user experience

(BUFFALO, N.Y.) - Rembrandt Charms is proud to unveil its newly redesigned website, crafted with a sleek, sophisticated look and a renewed focus on supporting their retail partners.

The new site showcases Rembrandt’s extensive charm collection through vibrant imagery and refined user experience, but it also introduces a powerful Retailer Dashboard designed to streamline and elevate day-to-day operations.

The enhanced Retailer Dashboard is an all-in-one portal for:

• Viewing and managing account details

• Placing and tracking orders

• Making secure online payments

• Accessing marketing materials and product assets

• Exploring merchandising ideas and seasonal promotions

“Our goal was to create a digital experience that makes it easier, and more impactful for our retail partners to do business with us,” said Eric Lux, President of Rembrandt Charms. “We’re placing more tools and resources

directly in your hands. Combined with the website’s updated, modern aesthetic and a more intuitive charm-browsing experience, this launch marks an exciting new chapter in how we serve and support our retailers.”

Visit the new site to explore the new Retailer Dashboard at www.RembrandtCharms.com.

Censortron, A division of Censor Diamonds, has introduced a new safe and secure gemstone weighing cup. The weighing cup is made from lightweight aluminum and has a protective velvet insert. The protective insert ensures that when stones are dropped in the cup they won’t bounce out or get chipped or damaged.

For more information or to purchase the gemstone weighing cup call 212-DIAMOND or 212-764-7130 or visit www.212DIAMOND.com.

in 1984. He underscores that ASHI® has always used technology to strengthen its service to retailers, describing AVA as the next evolution in that ongoing promise.

“Designed for efficiency, intelligence, personalization, and ease of use, this AI Chatbot enables retailers to effortlessly explore thousands of jewelry products, add items to the shopping cart, wish list, or sales quotations, submit special order requests, request custom quotes, and email style details with remarkable speed and simplicity,” Rajeev details.

Among its key features, AVA leverages smart follow-up prompts to guide users through a dynamic, personalized journey. It also includes an intelligent escalation system that identifies complex or unresolved queries and seamlessly routes them to a member of the ASHI® customer service team - some of whom there for more than 25 years - for further expertise and personalized support.

“With AVA we are revolutionizing how retailers interact with ASHI®. It’s about better

service, faster decisions, and a seamless digital experience,” says Sanjay. “AVA is more than just a chatbot, it’s a smarter, more efficient way to do business. It sets a new standard for service in our industry - one that both retailers and consumers will come to expect.”

Leveraging AI Power ASHI®’s B2B website serves as its central hub where its more than 1,000 independent jewelers across North America manage and place orders, view products, and access marketing and merchandising assets.

Designed to streamline the retail experience, the platform can be customized with a retailer’s branding and pricing, turning it into a fully functional selling tool.

Its user-friendly design includes an enhanced interface with advanced navigation, robust product search and filtering, virtual try-on capabilities, 360° product views, real-time stock availability, style history, tools for special orders and custom quotes, and marketing section.

ers can instantly identify similar styles from ASHI®’s vast collection. It not only shortens the sales cycle but empowers jewelers to say “yes” more often by matching customer inspiration with in-stock inventory, driving conversions and additional selling opportunities.

quently reordered items, empowering retailers to better manage inventory and have total awareness when it comes to product performance.

These customized reports give sales representatives and retailers a clear view of past performance, helping them save time, identify opportunities, create quotes, and place orders more efficiently.

ASHI® offers retail partners embedded, real-time analytics directly within the B2B website. “The insights empower retailers to make faster decisions and streamline order fulfillment,” says Sanjay. “They can instantly view sales performance, trending styles, and key metrics tailored to their account in a central dashboard.”

Retailers benefit from AIpower on the portal like real-time style recommendations. Leveraging deep learning analysis of product images and descriptions, the system automatically presents a curated list of visually similar styles that reflect the look, feel, and key attributes of the item viewed. This ability empowers retailers to quickly explore alternative options, offering more choices to customers while streamlining the selection process, Sanjay tells.

The website includes a cutting-edge, AI-powered visual search tool that transforms how retailers find products. With just a photo - whether snapped by a customer or sourced online - retail-

“Powered by Google Vision API and deep learning models, the system intelligently analyzes key design elements, including metal color, stone shape, and style attributes to showcase accurate matches,” Rajeev explains. “It’s especially valuable for identifying products based on customersubmitted photos and unlocking upselling opportunities through coordinated sets and complementary designs.”

The company’s AI-driven recommendation engine for B2B retailers harnesses advanced purchase-pattern learning and historical order data to deliver personalized product suggestions that drive both browsing and buying engagement.

“It predicts which items a retailer is most likely to need next and uncovers new opportunities beyond their current inventory by analyzing order histories including seasonal trends, reorder behavior, and emerging category interests,” Rajeev shares. “Smart prompts encourage exploration of additional purchases, while inventory-aware filtering automatically excludes products already in stock, on memo, part of open orders, or recently returned.”

Rajeev notes that over time, the system refines its recommendations based on evolving buying patterns, ensuring highly relevant, timely insights that drive engagement, increase conversions, and simplify the purchasing journey.

Data Driven Direction

ASHI® integrates and leverages data from BIG and EDGE (leading POS/retail analytics platforms) into its B2B website to generate detailed real-time reports that highlight bestsellers, fastest-moving styles, and fre-

The company equips its retail partners with a robust, fully stocked marketing arsenal - from high-impact lifestyle photography and product videos to socialready reels, branded billboards, seasonal posters, and campaign kits. Retailers can download customizable jewelry related email blasts, blogs and marketing materials tailored to bridal, holiday, and other key sales moments. Every asset is easily searchable and accessible on ASHI®’s B2B portal, empowering jewelers to launch visually stunning, onbrand campaigns across website, social media, and in-store displays - all with minimal lift and maximum effect.

To ensure retailers stay digitally sharp and always current, ASHI® offers a comprehensive, no-cost API Feed that integrates seamlessly with any e-commerce platform. The feed delivers highresolution images in multiple angles, SEO-optimized descriptions, curated bestseller lists, and live pricing and style data - updated in real time. Fully aligned with ASHI®’s master inventory, it eliminates manual upkeep, boosting consumer confidence.

Retailers aiming to enhance their online presence can benefit from ASHI®’s partnership with Avalon Solution®, providing turnkey e-commerce website development on Shopify. From modern, mobile-optimized design to full product integration, Avalon empowers jewelers with a sleek, conversion-ready digital storefront. Through its cloudbased JewelExchange® platform, retailers can showcase inventory, content, and real-time pricing from over 75 of the industry’s top brands.

For more information about ASHI® - a proud member of the industry’s leading buying groups and organizations - visit www. ashidiamonds.com.

to 1900’s Wood with curved glass 4 Cases total (1 with 2 side towers) Located in Houston, TX Email for more info & images Kipperdade@gmail.com

& RETAIL PARTNERSHIP

84-Year old family business Seeks Manufacturing Partner

Malcolm Jewelers is seeking a manufacturer with established accounts and sales reps to distribute nationally or globally. Must manufacture in-house in Sterling Silver, Gold Plate, 10K & 14K White/Yellow Gold.

Designed by award-winning designer, Todd Malcolm, The “Stories from the Heart Collection” features symbolic designs of love, family, faith, and peace & tranquillity. View online @ malcolmjewelers.com | or contact Todd Malcolm: 309-764-1213

STORE FOR SALE

BECOME YOUR OWN BOSS!

A hometown ﬁne-jewelry store for sale that has been in business for over 25 years with a well-established client list. Desiring to sell all inventory, ﬁxtures, equipment, safe, etc. for a one-package deal. Serious inquiries only.

Please contact Tim Bryant at cell 606-524-7569 or lloydwillia7596@bellsouth.net

Pro table small jewelry store for sale

Our major competitor just retired and closed his store!

Located in mountain city out west, in busy strip mall - 900 square feet

(60% production space, 40% sales oor)

Email serious inquiries to martha@southernjewelrynews.com

Subject Line: Mountain City

NDA required to be able to receive more info

Jewelry store located in the heart of Middle Tennessee, 45 minutes south of downtown Nashville

26 year jewelry business for sale due to owner retirement

Highly proﬁtable business with strong historical revenue growth trends

Email serious inquiries to wtgunn129@yahoo.com

NDA required to receive further info

Contact Ron or Josh

(920)-921-3113

Laser Star Model 7000 series for sale

Laser Star Workstation, purchased in 2005, model# 515-7092, with binocular microscope viewing system. Sell for $10,000.00. Contact: Wayne Madere at (225) 772-0756.

SALES TRAINER

Ability to Train and Motivate Six locations in Sunny Southwest Florida Top Pay Based on Experience, Full Time, Full Beneﬁts Package bstillman@ dunkinsdiamonds.com

Sales Representative Florida/Georgia

For 122 years, Boston-based GBC has been considered the nation’s largest buyer and wholesaler of ﬁne jewelry surpluses and closeouts. The available position is an opportunity to join our team with responsibilities involving selling existing accounts, developing and maintaining customer relations, and establishing new accounts. GBC’s offerings are ever-changing and value oriented, with prices consistently below market ranging from $50 to $50,000. Sales are generated on a “delivery” basis.

Email resume’ to: cs@gbcjewelry.com or call Tom Hagerty at 617-226-1131. www.gbcjewelry.com

The Beauty of Eternal Commitment

Stuller offers the most comprehensive selection of engagement ring and wedding band styles in the industry — beautiful symbols of a couple’s lifelong journey.