WHO: Stephanie Elbe of Christopher’s Fine Jewelry in Des Moines, IA, won the original artwork painted by Christopher Slowinski, founder and owner of Christopher Designs. In response to her win, Stephanie shared, “The colors of the painting are beautiful. They match our store and I love how Christopher tied in all the buildings with their different architectural styles.”
WHAT: Original oil painting entitled “Blended Sensibility”, is oil on canvas and measures 30” X 30”. The piece was painted by the designer himself, Christopher Slowinski and is reminiscent of one of his spring trips to London. The scene depicts a mélange of architectural styles from modern, to old, to religious and painted in pastel shades of yellow, pink and blue.
WHERE: Drawing took place at the Christopher Designs booth at JCK Las Vegas and painting was shipped to winner in Iowa.
WHEN: Sunday afternoon, June 3, 2018.
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WHY: Drawing was open to all retailers who attended JCK who made and kept their appointment with the designer brand.
Stephanie Elbe, Christopher’s Fine Jewelry wins original artwork at JCK Show painted by Christopher Slowinski
Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
