Jewelry Business Guru by Cindy Edelstein

Scenes from designLAB at the JA NY Special Delivery trade show for Jewelers

The JA NY Special Delivery show is a unique event -- it's timed for last minute stock for the jewelry retailers. Exhibitors bring specials, deals, overstocks and regular merchandise to entice folks at this time of year.

Each year it has gotten stronger and this year there was true crowds on day one. Unfortunately it's not the day I had my camera in hand plus access to the skyboxes over the show floor for a good shot. I got requests for an overview photo so I'm posting it even though it doesn't well represent the buyer attendance.

 

This was the second show where JA showcased designers in my newly invented trade show concept -- designLAB. A group booth for jewelry designers that gives each a small display space, shared resources and an open layout. Buyers seem to love it. It was truly busy most of the show and the designers had a great time.

On the left is Mikelle Terson of Mikelle Designs, NYC showing off her yoga inspired jewels.

Anzie Stein and her daughter Jaclyn had a great display of candy-colored sparkling gem designs from her eponymous collection Anzie Jewelry. On the right is Rina Young who came with a huge array of her kinetic, sculptural designs in sterling and gold. They definitely have fun in the designLAB.

 

Monica of Rosario Designs brought her uber-fashionable designs from Columbia for her second-ever JA Show. While Ann Garrett, right, brought her collection of shagrin skin bangles and accessories. Very au courrant and popular.

Two trays of trend setting designs by ExEx Jewelry by Claudia Agudelo. Big, bold drusy rings and wide dramatic cuffs in sterling are big sellers for her this year.

 

AGTA Spectrum Design Contest Awards Preview 09 - Gorgeous Gems, Jewels and Stars

Went to a press preview for the AGTA 2010 Spectrum Awards today. Saw Susan Sarandon getting the tour of all the entries -- she took a lot of time and asked a lot of questions. She must be a real jewelry lover!

It was at a big photographer's loft filled with 600+ gorgeous entries. Ok, not every single one was gorgeous but that's really in the eye of the beholder, isn't it? For instance, I adored the Wicked Witch of the West brooch which filled my heart with glee. I prefer that over the usual octopus, dragonfly and frog jewels that proliferate lots of contests. I'm not one for representational jewels.




Oh, and there was a very sweet white pig with rose gold hoofs and wings that really flew into my heart. But brave be the woman who can wear a pig without implying the obvious comparisons.

The best in show was a fantastical creation by James Curran.....

I adored these two rings -- but they didn't take any prizes:

And this brooch by Paula Crevoshay made me happy, too..the depth of color and overall execution was fantastic:

I'm sure the AGTA will have their perfect photos and video of the event up on the 'net soon. The collection was really great and I'm sure you'll be entertained by the whole crew.

Want to see what jewelry writer Cheryl Kremkow liked best at the event? See her blog here at:

Gems in Bloom: 2010 Spectrum Award Winners.

The Science of Retweets on Twitter | Brian Solis - PR 2.0

I gotta say, I love the retweet. It gives me the chance to share some bon mot or great article with one click. I love that!

Are you following me on twitter? Just click here: http://twitter.com/JewelryBizGuru

Here's what I retweeted today:

One of the most actively discussed aspects of Twitter is the art and science of retweets. Retweets, in my opinion, are one of the most sincere forms of recognition and validation, empowering users to pay it forward through the recognition of noteworthy content. According to Dan, retweets also serve as the foundation for assessing the qualities of viral content, “You don’t spread ideas just because they are “good;” you spread them because of some other trigger or set of triggers has been pulled in your brain. We can now compare millions of viral ideas to uncover the building blocks of contagiousness.”
The Science of Retweets on Twitter | Brian Solis - PR 2.0.

Best Practices For Social Media: The Basics of Program Planning « The BrandBuilder Blog

One of the easiest to understand outlines of Social Media planning that I've found is by Olivier Blanchard. He succinctly outlines the four parts of the plan and even wiser, points out that all 4 roles may not be fulfilled by one staffer or outside consultant.

You can use this article to think through your own plan and see if you need more help or just more organization to maximize your social media footprint.

Best Practices For Social Media: The Basics of Program Planning « The BrandBuilder Blog.

At Ben Bridge a "Girl" Becomes a Trust Agent

Are you wondering how you can get started with social marketing? Or how to do it well?

Here's a quck blog post from Veronica Wei Sopher an employee at Ben Bridge who turned herself into @BenBridgeGirl a clever, engaging "trust agent" for her company who tiptoed carefully into cyberspace to become the voice of her company. 

 Her rationale?

"Why am I doing all this? Because I’m a “trust agent” (hat tip to Chris Brogan and Julien Smith). I believe this is the next move that will truly set Ben Bridge Jeweler apart in customers’ eyes. So many people are ready to hear from and rally around Ben Bridge. Amazing things happen when a company begins speaking with a human voice instead of a corporate one. Frank Eliason has done it for Comcast. Scott Monty has done it for Ford. Richard Binhammer has done it for Dell. I know I can do the same for Ben Bridge Jeweler. "

 Hats off to Veronica, a beacon of enlightenment. Follow her on twitter and see what the fuss is about!