If you have been following this blog awhile then you know that I have a soft spot for “the local jeweler”. You know the ones, the independent jewelry shop on the corner that half the neighborhood has used for generations. Earlier this month I had the opportunity to attend the meeting for The Leading Jewelers Guild.
LJG is what happens when a group of Independent Jewelry Retailers (across the country) get together and combine their buying power...their influence becomes National.
Mission Statement from their website:
Leading Jewelers Guild is a strategic alliance of independent jewelers that develops competitive advantages for its members.
Leading Jewelers Guild, an organization completely owned by its member jewelers, through its strategic relationships and collective buying power, offers their retail membership the opportunity to lower overall operating costs and increase buying power in a strong, relationship driven environment.
A full service merchandising and strategic planning operation, Leading Jewelers Guild is an invaluable marketing, catalog production and advertising resource dedicated to the overall business needs of the family-owned independent jeweler.
Their influence is obvious when you see the Brands that flock to their meeting. Most of you have attended a JCK Show or JA but the really nice thing about this show is the size - smaller - more intimate. You not only get a chance to see and touch, but you can have a conversation with the vendor and in some cases with the designer.
So what kind of brands does this show attract?
Straight from the JCK show floor - Sylvie Collection
...a Bridal favorite Leiberfarb (with the always delightful Anne Arnold) was there with their new yellow diamond collection that extends to pendants and earrings!
...and my show favorite - this two finger stunner from Hearts On Fire!!!
Since Bridal is a huge portion of a Jewelry Retailer’s business as you can imagine the show had several Bridal Companies represented...
and last but certainly not least these stunning Meteor Cut Diamonds from Lili...
That being said there was no shortage of great Fashion Jewelry...
Estelle Hedaya was onsite with the great new collections from World Trade Jewelry - Hershey Kisses and Scrabble...
...and now their NBA Collection...
Leiberfarb’s yellow diamond initials were just the perfect size to stack with the “petite letter
pieces” that are so on trend today!
Variety Gem’s aptly named “Candy Collection”!
...I especially liked the blackened metal with the Blue Chalcedony...
While we’re talking candy, we can’t forget the Chocolatier...LeVian!
The ever popular Chamilia...
LOVED these Meteorite pieces from Fable...
Honora Pearl did what they do best...pearls in every color...
The stunning color of these Morganite pieces from Quality Color stopped me in my tracks...
...and while we are talking color...
For me the “Fashion Star” of the show was EFFY! Two new collections were on view from the Celebrity favorite...
So - if you are a brick & mortar Jeweler looking to increase your ability to carry some of the major brands...and more importantly a support system that only a network of businesses can provide, check into one of the Jeweler’s Groups in your area.
For more info about the Leading Jewelers Guild
contact Jimmy West (jimmywest828 at gmail.com)
