Brand Ambassadors: Alwand Vahan (Lynn McCary Thomas)

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Brand Ambassadors

Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 January 2010 06:13 Written by Beth Bernstein Tuesday, 26 January 2010 05:25

Meet one of the country's top sellers of Alwand Vahan jewelry.

Lynn McCary Thomas

McCary’s Jewelers, Shreveport, LA

Since 1941, McCary’s Jewelers has provided Shreveport with the most well-crafted jewelry they could find or produce themselves. That policy continues to this day, as the store carries a variety of designer brands, including Simon G., Gabriel & Co., KC Designs and, of course, Alwand Vahan. Lynn McCary Thomas, who grew up in the store, sells the line so well, she’s been recognized as one of the top retail sellers of Alwand Vahan in the country. “Several of my friends have three and four bracelets, and they just keep stacking them,” Thomas says. “Most of my customers own at least one piece of Alwand Vahan.”

WHY THE JEWELRY IS POPULAR: “Alwand Vahan jewelry is both feminine and classy. It’s two-toned, retails at an attractive price point, and can be worn casual or very dressy. You can collect many pieces within the line, and they all go together.”

WHO IT APPEALS TO: “We have everyone from teenagers to 80-year-old ladies that love this jewelry, because it’s classic. My 20-year-old daughter goes to school in Baton Rouge and has grown tired of seeing everyone wearing jewelry made by a certain popular designer (who shall remain anonymous!). She loves Alwand Vahan.”

WHY PEOPLE LOVE THE JEWELRY: “The pieces can be fitted to you, and they’re incredibly durable. The bracelets are flat inside, so you can wear them all day long and they don’t get in your way. The clasp is stainless steel and won’t break. The chains have a circle in the middle so you can add enhancers, which gives you variety. In the end, the jewelry really sells itself.”

HOW CUSTOMERS RESPOND: “Once they own one piece, they want to own more and add to the look, whether it’s stacking bracelets or getting the chain with the enhancer. This is helpful to men because there’s always another occasion coming.”

“McCary’s is one of Alwand Vahan’s top-tier retailers. The dynamic women on the sales floor are perfect Vahan models. By owning and wearing Vahan, they show their customers the beauty, design and durability of these USA-made products.” — Nathalie Calousdian, vice president, Alwand Vahan

HOW TO SHOW THE JEWELRY: “We order enough for people to really get a feel for the line. We also have the trunk shows with a company rep two or three times a year, so customers can see everything that’s available. We let people try it on, and they see the quality of the pieces. Because we do have jewelers and we do manufacture, we are knowledgeable enough to help customers make a good purchase.”

HOW IT WORKS WITH RETAILERS: “At one trunk show, we had a customer come in who wanted a whole suite with a particular stone. Alwand Vahan made it for her. The company is so accommodating. They know what people like and want, and they respond to it.”

WHY IT'S STILL AFFORDABLE: “Last spring, the company went to more beading with decorative gold to help maintain affordable prices instead of adding more diamonds. It didn’t take away from the look at all, and it provided a nice option for customers. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive piece; it just has to be timeless.”

HOW OUR FAMILY SUPPORTS THE LINE: “I own a bracelet and a ring from Alwand Vahan, and will probably have a pendant around Christmas. Of the jewelry I own, I love the bracelet with the pearls on the end – very feminine. My daughter has more pieces than I do; she has two bracelets, a pendant, and diamond earrings. Oh well, you always do more for your kids!”