The Plumb Club’s Podcast

Say Yes to Colored Gemstone Engagement Rings

The market for colored gemstone engagement rings has been growing steadily over the past few years. Cheryl Kremkow, on behalf of Plumb Club Member Carl K. Gumpert shares ways that you can make the most of this opportunity. Hear from experts Marty Hurwitz of market research firm The MVEye, Severine Ferrari, founder of Engagement 101 and jewelry journalist and trend forecaster Jennifer Heebner on the consumers driving demand, top trends, and what you can do to capture more sales of unique engagement rings for your store. With over 70 years in the jewelry industry, Carl K. Gumpert, Inc. is a major fine jewelry manufacturer and diamond supplier, providing its customers with individualized manufacturing services and outstanding quality and value.

Beyond the Sparkle - Gemstones in Modern Consumer Trends

Gemstones are an important part of a well-rounded assortment for jewelry stores. The gemstone market is experiencing steady growth and is projected to increase over 50% in the next number of years. Anthony Marotta, of Plumb Club Member Prime-Art & Jewel (PAJ) showcases the rise of gemstones and highlights some of the elements that are spurring consumer knowledge and growth in the category.  He talks about the increasing popularity of lab grown gemstones and some of the current trends in gender neutral jewelry, jewelry with meaning and symbolism, as well as colored gemstone bridal and statement pieces. PAJ has made a name for itself as one of the leading jewelry manufacturers in the world, with their use of superior craftsmanship and a focus on customer satisfaction.

The Sustainability Opportunity: Reaching a New Customer

The market for sustainable and responsibly sourced jewelry is growing thanks to younger consumers looking for retailers who share their values. This podcast sponsored by W.R. Cobb Company shares ways that you can make the most of this exciting opportunity to build trust, increase sales and attract the new sustainability-minded consumer. Find out why sustainability is an exciting opportunity for you to stand apart from the competition and elevate your brand. W.R. Cobb Company has been a fundamental part of the jewelry industry since 1877 and has he widest range inventory of bridal jewelry, loose certifies diamonds, and marketing solutions available to jewelry retailers.

A Winning Formula: Email Marketing

Driving sales is often a result of the relationship that a retailer is able to build with their customer. One effective way to build that relationship is with email marketing. In this podcast, Jan Bennett, head of marketing at Plumb Club Member Shefi discusses how this marketing tool can help build a loyal customer base, encourage repeat business and drive foot traffic into the store. She provides email strategies, talks about timing of emails and ways to segment, as well as ideas on how to measure the tool’s effectiveness.  Established in 1975, Shefi is widely recognized amount retailers as a leading supplier of store programs and an exquisite array of fine jewelry products across a variety of categories.

Shining Opportunities: Embracing Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry

Staying ahead is imperative in the jewelry industry. Dov Tannenbaum explains the impact of the rise in lab grown diamonds, as well as the potential benefits for retailers. He provides several insights into the market, debunks myths on value and provides several tips on how retailers and use the category for differentiation and to appeal to a broader customer base.  Dov Tannenbaum is a principle at Leo Schachter Diamonds, a leading supplier of America’s major retail jewelry chains.

Personalization & Customization: Grow & Retain a Customer Base

The retail landscape is changing because of the desire for personalized experiences. Today’s customers look to make purchases to reflect the individuals they are. Stacy Dermont, on behalf of Cynergy Trading Corp. takes listeners through how retailers can satisfy consumer desire and generate sales and repeat customers through personalization and customization. Cynergy Trading Corp designs and manufactures diamond bridal and fashion jewelry in gold, silver and platinum. Their specialties include private label design collaboration, product customization, and just-in-time manufacturing of special orders.  

Diamond Inclusions: Nature’s Storyteller

Much like beauty in humans, the beauty of a natural diamond can often be seen in the elements that are not “perfect”, but in the slight imperfections that make them unique. But in diamonds it’s even more revealing. These elements tell the story of each diamond’s journey from formation to the surface of the earth, and can be a powerful part of a sales conversation. Alethea Inns, chief learning officer for Gemological Science International, takes the listener on the fascinating journey of a diamond, likening it to the customers own and pointing out the beauty of uniqueness.  

Applying the 80-20 Rule to Managing Diamond Jewelry Inventory

Applying the classic 80-20 rule can help a retailer maximize the benefits from their diamond inventory. Sam Sandberg talks about the challenges facing retail profitability and cash flow. He defines what the 80-20 rule is, explains how it works, how it has evolved and illustrates how a retailer should apply the rule to the management of their diamond category.  Sam Sandberg is chairman of the A Jaffe Co, a Plumb Club Member, with over 30 years of experience as a principle of the company.

The Power of a Strong Logo

A customer's physical and pleasing shopping experience always starts with good design. One of the first pieces of design that your customer will come into contact with is your logo. That's why it's important to ensure that your logo convey a store message and set you apart from competition. In this podcast, Leslie McGwire, ASID Allied discusses some iconic brand logos and what makes them stand out. Further, she provides insights into the creation of a meaningful store logo, as well as how and where you can place that logo to reinforce your message, both within your store and when a customer is elsewhere!! Leslie McGwire is a designer who has worked in the spa, salon and jewelry retail environments for 35 years and has won over 27 national design awards for her work. 

The Growing Market for Men’s Jewelry

On behalf of Diamour, Cheryl Kremkow looks at the market forces and top trends that are driving major growth in the men’s jewelry category. She provides insights and tips on how retailers can merchandise and market men’s jewelry to take advantage of the significant surge in demand. Diamour is a family-owned, multinational diamond jewelry organization and a leader in product development and design. Their expansive line includes bridal rings, fashion rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and men’s rings.